Two panels to probe institutional corruption, torture of women: WB CM

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced that the state cabinet has approved the formation of two inquiry panels headed by former High Court judges to investigate allegations of institutional corruption and the alleged torture of women. The West Bengal Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the formation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees, staff of government boards and corporations, state-aided bodies, and educational institutions. Briefing the media after the meeting, Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister, Agnimitra Paul said, the West Bengal government also approved the discontinuation of several Direct Benefit Transfer schemes under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and the Minority and Madrasah Department from 1st of June. However, scholarship schemes under these departments will continue. The Cabinet further approved free transport facilities for women across the state. Under the new Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, to be launched from 1st of next month, eligible women will receive three thousand rupees through Direct Benefit Transfer. Applicants for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act and those who have approached various tribunals will also be eligible to apply for the scheme. A dedicated portal will be launched for enrollment under the scheme. The state government also announced that a fresh OBC list for West Bengal will be prepared following the recent Calcutta High Court judgment. 

Talking to newsmen,Suvendu Adhikari also asserted that his government would adopt a "zero tolerance" policy against vandalism carried out under the guise of religious slogans. Sending a stern message against lawlessness, Adhikari said the state government will not hesitate to take strict legal recourse against those attacking police personnel and damaging public property. 40 people arrested so far in connection with Park Circus violence, he said.

VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: CM Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB), after holding a meeting with top police officials at Park Circus South East Division, said, "An unfortunate incident took place yesterday. Anyone can stage an agitation or put forward their demands, but it should be… pic.twitter.com/8tEHYcsopL

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 18, 2026

The CM’s comments come a day after protests against the recent bulldozer action in Kolkata's Tiljala turned violent, as demonstrators hurled stones at police personnel in the minority-dominated Park Circus area, injuring officers and damaging several vehicles. Police linked the protests to administrative action against illegal structures.