Kolkata: Bengal governor R N Ravi on Thursday used his maiden address to the 18th assembly to outline BJP govt’s priorities, focusing on law and order, industrial revival, welfare expansion and a negotiated settlement to the long-pending Gorkhaland issue.Addressing the House, Ravi said the govt would pursue a “permanent political solution” to the Gorkhaland demand through talks with all stakeholders. He also promised a crackdown on crime, extortion and organised criminal networks.“The law and order machinery will be revamped to usher in an ambience of peace and tranquillity in the state,” Ravi said. He added that the govt would adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach towards crime, particularly offences against women and children, while acting against extortion syndicates, illegal mining and anti-social elements.Claiming that people were “breathing in freedom” following action against those allegedly protected by the previous regime, Ravi said: “The new govt has already cracked down heavily on those running a reign of terror and an extortion raj under the protection and patronage of the previous ruling party in the state.”The governor also highlighted measures against illegal immigration, saying a substantial number of infiltrators had been identified and deported. He said nearly 86 acres had been handed over to the BSF for border fencing and related infrastructure. Ravi added that two judicial commissions had already been set up and that a large-scale drive was under way to remove illegal encroachments on govt land.On development, Ravi outlined plans to revive industrial growth through new industrial parks, including one at Singur, alongside support for stalled railway, metro and highway projects. He also announced a proposed Rs 1,800-crore bridge across the Bhagirathi connecting Nadia and East Burdwan.“Preparatory work for a new industrial park at Singur has commenced,” he said, adding that Sagarmala 2.0 projects would boost port connectivity, fisheries infrastructure and the blue economy.Ravi reiterated commitments to welfare schemes, including the Annapurna Yojana under which women would receive Rs 3,000 a month, free bus rides for women and enrolment under Ayushman Bharat. He also promised financial assistance for unemployed youth and transparent implementation of PM Awas Yojana.In education, Ravi said the govt would undertake regular teacher recruitment, implement the National Education Policy and expand PM SHRI schools. He also spoke of plans for an IIT, an IIM-equivalent institution and a tribal university in north Bengal.The governor highlighted efforts to promote Darjeeling tea through strict GI compliance and boost tourism in Darjeeling, the Terai, Dooars and the Sunderbans. He also outlined preparations for Census 2027, which will involve around 1.9 lakh enumerators across the state.
