Suvendu Adhikari promises “rule of law”
The chief minister said policing in Bengal would now function strictly under the law
The West Bengal government on Saturday announced the dissolution of the Police Welfare Board, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari accusing the body of straying from its original purpose and turning into a political platform instead of serving police personnel.
The announcement was made after Adhikari chaired a major administrative and police review meeting at Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district.
“Rule of law” will replace “ruler’s law”
Addressing senior police and administrative officials, the chief minister declared that his government would usher in a new policing system based on strict enforcement of law and accountability.
“Earlier, there was the ruler’s law; now there will be the rule of law,” Adhikari said, signalling a shift in the state government’s approach towards law enforcement and administration.
Police Welfare Board dissolved
Explaining the decision to dissolve the Police Welfare Board, Adhikari alleged that the institution had gradually become a political extension rather than a genuine welfare body for police personnel.
“The Police Welfare Board was constituted with a good intention. But eventually, it became a party’s frontal organisation. I do not know how that helped in the welfare of the police, but it became a place for getting illegal extension of employment,” he said.
The chief minister also alleged that several individuals had personally benefited through the system.
Committee formed for police reforms
Adhikari announced that the state government has constituted a high-level committee under the chief secretary to recommend a fresh framework for police reforms within the next three months.
The government is expected to introduce structural changes aimed at improving transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency within the police force.
Focus on women police personnel
The chief minister also announced measures aimed at improving working conditions for women police officers.
He said women personnel would be given priority for postings within their home districts to help them better manage family and professional responsibilities.
Zero tolerance against extortion
During the meeting, Adhikari adopted a strong stance against alleged illegal collections and extortion by certain local groups and individuals.
He warned that no extortion in the name of toll collection or roadside checks would be tolerated, especially from e-rickshaw drivers, auto-rickshaw operators and hawkers.
The chief minister said strict action would be taken against anyone involved in such activities.
Strict action against attacks on police
Adhikari also underlined that attacks on police personnel during the discharge of their duties would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He instructed officials to ensure the strictest legal action against those found assaulting or obstructing police officers while maintaining law and order.
The Bengal chief minister further stated that ordinary citizens facing harassment from police officials should directly approach police stations and file complaints, asserting that the law would remain equal for everyone under the new administration.
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