# West Bengal police and disaster management reforms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-bengal-police-and-disaster-management-reforms
> Updated: 2026-08-27T16:17:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: West Bengal CM announces police strengthening measures

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced police reforms, including new emergency vehicles, a 100 crore rupee budget, and the formation of the 'Arjun' civil defense brigade.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-bengal-cm-announces-police-strengthening-measures

### 2026-08-23: Suvendu Adhikari announces Arjun Bahini force and criticizes past administration

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced the ‘Arjun Bahini’ disaster response force and criticized the previous administration for fostering a ‘threat culture’ within the judiciary and bureaucracy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suvendu-adhikari-announces-arjun-bahini-force-and-criticizes-past-administration

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Cite as: West Bengal police and disaster management reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-bengal-police-and-disaster-management-reforms