The West Bengal Assembly's Budget Session commenced on Wednesday with Governor RN Ravi delivering the customary inaugural address. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta is set to present the state budget on Monday.
The Governor informed the House that the first phase of the Budget Session will continue till June 25. He also announced that the proceedings of the Budget Session will be telecast live this year.
Governor focuses on corruption, extortion and women's safety
In his address, Governor Ravi outlined the priorities of the new state government, placing strong emphasis on governance, law and order, and citizen security.
He said, “The new state government will ensure the safety of citizens. This government is committed to stopping corruption and extortion. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against incidents of violence against women. The state government has pledged strict action against extortionists and goons.”
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The Governor further claimed that the atmosphere in the state had changed following the change in government.
“Over the past several years, an environment of fear and intimidation existed in the state. Under the new government, that situation has been removed. The rule of law will be re-established in the state,” he said.
Government taking steps against infiltration and land encroachment
Referring to decisions taken within the first month of the new administration, the Governor said several measures had already been initiated on border security and illegal infiltration.
“Soon after assuming office, the new government provided land to the BSF for fencing open stretches of the border. Infiltration had become a major problem. As a result, the demographic profile of the state changed during the previous government's tenure. The new government is taking action against this. Steps are being taken to identify infiltrators and remove them from the state,” he said.
The Governor also stated that efforts were underway to free government land from encroachment and curb illegal sand mining.
“Strict measures are being taken to stop sand smuggling. The government is also determined to eliminate institutional corruption. Threat culture will not be tolerated,” he added.
Metro, rail projects receive fresh push
Governor Ravi also referred to several infrastructure projects that, according to him, had remained delayed for years.
“The Chingrighata Metro project was stalled for 18 months by the previous government. The new government has acted quickly on the matter. The state has also provided land for 36 railway projects,” he said.
According to the Governor, the administration is working to complete all pending rail and metro projects across the state.
Industry, education and healthcare on government agenda
The Governor said industrial development would receive renewed attention after years of neglect. “After being overlooked for a long time, industry is finally getting importance in the state. This government is taking initiatives to bring in new industries,” he said.
He also announced that the state government plans to implement the National Education Policy and improve the quality of mid-day meals served in schools.
On healthcare and women's welfare, the Governor said, “The new government has decided to provide free vaccination to eliminate cervical cancer. Under the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, people of the state will receive medicines at discounts ranging from 50 to 80 per cent.” The address laid out the government's priorities ahead of the presentation of the state budget, which is scheduled for Monday.
