West Bengal police and disaster management reforms

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has initiated several measures to reorganize and strengthen the state’s emergency response and police capabilities.

Initially, Adhikari announced the formation of ‘Arjun Bahini’, a new disaster management force modeled after the NDRF. This force was planned to recruit 200 skilled personnel to be stationed in Kolkata, Darjeeling, and the Sagar-Kakdwip area. During this period, the Chief Minister also criticized the previous Trinamool Congress administration, alleging a ‘threat culture’ that impacted the judiciary and civil service seniority.

Following these announcements, the administration expanded its modernization plans. A 100 crore rupee allocation was designated to provide 552 ‘112’ emergency response vehicles to police stations. The ‘Arjun’ brigade was further detailed as a 200-person civil defense unit including firefighters. Additional reforms include enhancing women’s assistance desks, increasing cybercrime surveillance, and introducing the ‘Jivan Rakshak’ award for bravery. The state also committed financial support, such as rations and a 20 percent Dearness Allowance, for lower-level personnel during the Durga Puja festival.