Suvendu Adhikari govt scraps religion-based welfare schemes in major policy shift in Bengal

The newly formed West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a significant policy shift by deciding to scrap all religion-based welfare schemes introduced by the previous administration.

The decision will come into effect from June and follows recent Calcutta High Court observations and directives related to governance and classification of beneficiaries.

Alongside this, the state government has also indicated plans to review the existing OBC list as part of a broader administrative restructuring.

The announcement marks a key ideological and administrative change in state policy, with officials stating that welfare measures will now be streamlined to ensure uniformity and legal compliance.

Separately, CM Suvendu Adhikari issued a strong warning following violence in the Park Circus area, saying strict action would be taken against stone-pelting incidents.

He stated that the administration would ensure law and order is maintained and that policing reforms will be introduced over a six-month period, including strict enforcement of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Adhikari also met injured police personnel and assured them of full government support while directing a comprehensive overhaul of Kolkata Police functioning.