Kolkata, Aug. 17 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said he would face a public "test" on May 9, 2027, when his government completes its first year in office, and accept his "failure" if he fails to score at least nine out of 10.
"On May 9, 2027, I will complete one year in office. That day, I will sit for an examination before you. If I do not score nine out of 10, I will accept my failure," Adhikari said at a programme in Manbazar, Purulia, marking the 100th day of his government.
He said the next nine months would be crucial and the public assessment would be based on the work done by his government rather than political claims. "Have faith and trust us," he said.
The BJP also released a 41-page booklet, "100 Days of Resolve and Achievements of the West Bengal Government" highlighting its claims on investment, welfare delivery, administrative reforms, women's safety and economic empowerment. Party leaders and elected representatives are expected to distribute it door-to-door.
Adhikari announced that nearly 30 lakh new houses would be built under the Awas Yojana, promising that there would be no extortion, syndicate politics or "cut-money" in housing schemes. He accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of large-scale irregularities in their implementation and said benefits would reach eligible people without corruption.
On employment, he said nearly one lakh people, including teachers and police personnel, would be recruited by 2027 through transparent processes.
Urging migrants from Purulia, Bankura and other parts of Jangalmahal to return, Adhikari promised major industrial expansion in the region. He said a Rs 15,000-crore Shyam Steel plant at Mejia in Bankura, for which he had recently laid the foundation stone, was expected to generate around 10,000 jobs.
He said Amit Metallics had invested Rs 4,000 crore in a project at Raghunathpur, Purulia, for which he would lay the foundation stone on Thursday. The project is expected to employ around 10,000 unskilled workers from Jangalmahal.
"The people of Jangalmahal must get jobs," Adhikari said, stressing the need to create local employment to prevent migration.
The drinking-water project launched at Manbazar, developed with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, involves an investment of Rs 1,296.25 crore. It will provide treated water to around 87,271 households, covering nearly 8.13 lakh people across Barabazar, Manbazar-I, Purulia-I, Puncha and Arsha blocks and Purulia municipality. Each person is expected to receive up to 70 litres a day.
Adhikari said it was unfortunate that even eight decades after Independence, Manbazar residents continued to struggle for adequate drinking water. He alleged corruption in the implementation of the Centre's Jal Jeevan Mission under the previous government.
He also reiterated his commitment to the Kurmi community, saying Rs 50 crore had been allocated for the Kurmi Board and that the government would pursue inclusion of Kurmali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution at the appropriate time.
Adhikari also said ISKCON would be entrusted with the mid-day meal programme in government schools across Purulia, but clarified that no cooks would lose their jobs. Eggs would be provided to students two days a week through self-help groups.
He also promised further development of Purulia, including plans for an airport, and cited initiatives for tribal communities, including a tribal university and Eklavya schools.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.