West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a series of welfare measures for residents, including ₹5 fish-rice meals, the Annapurna Yojana and stricter liquor shop regulations. The latest announcements have quickly brought attention to the new Suvendu Adhikari schemes.
The BJP leader said forms for the Annapurna Yojana will be distributed from May 27. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹3,000 every month. Speaking after an administrative meeting in Kalyani, Nadia, Adhikari claimed the initiative would benefit women across the state.
The chief minister also announced that liquor shops would not be allowed within a one-kilometre radius of schools, colleges and religious places. The decision is being seen as one of the key governance-focused Suvendu Adhikari schemes introduced after the BJP formed its first government in West Bengal.
Another major announcement under the new Suvendu Adhikari schemes is the launch of affordable fish-rice meals. The Bengal government plans to serve meals for ₹5 at nearly 400 dedicated canteens twice a week.
The initiative aims to provide affordable food to economically weaker sections while also supporting Bengal’s traditional food culture. The state government believes the scheme will help daily wage workers and low-income families cope with rising food expenses.
Adhikari further announced that the West Bengal government would create a separate AYUSH department. The department will function independently and will no longer remain linked to the state health department.
The move is part of broader administrative reforms introduced under the ongoing Suvendu Adhikari schemes since he assumed office on May 9. Adhikari became the chief minister after the BJP secured a landslide victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress’ nearly 15-year rule.
Political observers believe these welfare and administrative decisions are aimed at strengthening the BJP government’s grassroots connect in the state.
Q: What are the new Suvendu Adhikari schemes announced in West Bengal?
A: The new Suvendu Adhikari schemes include Annapurna Yojana, ₹5 fish-rice meals and stricter liquor shop rules.
Q: What is Annapurna Yojana announced by Suvendu Adhikari?
A: Under Annapurna Yojana, eligible women in West Bengal will receive ₹3,000 per month.
Q: How much will the fish-rice meals cost in Bengal?
A: The Bengal government plans to provide fish-rice meals for ₹5 at around 400 canteens twice a week.
Q: Why are the Suvendu Adhikari schemes getting attention?
A: The Suvendu Adhikari schemes are being seen as major welfare initiatives introduced soon after the BJP formed government in West Bengal.
