Mamata Banerjee’s Good Works As Chief Minister Of West Bengal

When one considers the trajectory path of modern Indian states, West Bengal often holds an important place in both socio-political and cultural narratives. The state has undergone extensive reforms, welfare schemes and development initiatives under the leadership of the current West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who first took over on 20 May 2011. His tenure has been marked by deep commitment to governance, public welfare, women empowerment and progress of infrastructure at the grassroots level. The story of his good works is not only a list of policies, but a continuous disclosure of the programs and efforts affected by historical circumstances, political conflicts and the aspirations of the people of Bengal.

On 20 May 2011, Mamata Banerjee’s holding the post of Chief Minister was a significant turn in the history of West Bengal. For 34 years, the Left Front ruled the state and shaped its economy and social scenario. However, by the early 2000s, extensive dissatisfaction, industrial disputes and agricultural issues had disappointed many people. The historic victory of Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress in the 2011 assembly elections not only brought political changes but also brought new energy to the rule. His first action as Chief Minister was mainly focused on indicating to move away from neglect and separation, especially in rural areas of Bengal.

One of his early good works was the beginning of Kanyashree Prakash in October 2013, a plan that later received international recognition, even won the United Nations Public Service Award in 2017. The initiative designed to promote girls’ education and delay marriage at an early age provided financial assistance to students from class VIII to XII as well as unmarried girls from the age of 18. Its official recognition date by the United Nations – June 2017 – is inscribed in the legacy of Bengal, as it was approved that the state level policy could be global echo. Kanyashree influenced millions of families, not only young girls but also the whole family out of the cycle of poverty and regressive traditions.

However, other initial steps were also taken before Kanyashree, especially in the field of health and education. In 2011 itself, the new government launched a bicycle distribution scheme called Sabuj Saathi, which was aimed at providing bicycles to students mainly in rural Bengal. It was formally launched in 2015, and over a million bicycles were distributed in the last few years, which changed the way youth reach schools, colleges and even commercial opportunities. The date of 29 October 2015 is remembered as the formal roll-out date of Sabuj Saathi, and since then, it has become a domestic name throughout Bengal.

Healthcare was another area in which significant changes were observed in his leadership. The launch of the Health Saathi Yojana in December 2016 was a historical decision, under which up to five lakhs per year was provided with cashless health insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care. What makes it especially remarkable is that the insurance card was issued in the name of the female head of the house, which symbolized the dignity of women and their emphasis on empowerment. The plan was later expanded in December 2020, causing all the residents of the state to be eligible regardless of income, and thus almost the entire population was covered.

The Khadya Saathi Yojana launched on 27 January 2016 ensured subsidized food grains distribution, where about 90% of the population received rice and wheat at only ₹ 2 per kg. Food security in Bengal became a guaranteed right under this policy. Even during crises like Covid-19 epidemic in 2020, the government expanded this aid, provided free ration to all beneficiaries for months, saving millions of people from starvation or extreme difficulty.

Another major initiative was Roopashree Prakash, which was launched on 1 April 2018, under which a lump sum financial assistance was provided for the marriage of women from economically weaker sections. By assisting poor families to manage marriage expenditure, the scheme reduced financial stress and indirectly contributed to prevent child marriage.

Infrastructure development was also the hallmark of his tenure. After 2011, roads, bridges, flyovers and rural connectivity projects were greatly expanded. The Kolkata East-West Metro Corridor project, although earlier launched, received strong support during their government, and achievements related to construction in 2015–2020. The commissioning of Dakshineshwar Metro station on 22 February 2021 is a symbol of attempt towards modern urban infrastructure. Similarly, many roads and highway projects connecting rural Bengal to urban centers were expedited, reflecting commitment to balanced development.

The focus on education continued throughout his years. The student credit card scheme officially launched on 30 June 2021 provided a loan of up to ₹ 10 lakh at a very low interest rate for higher education. It was a significant intervention for students interested in business courses in medicine, engineering, management and foreign education. In a state where many talented students were forced to leave higher education due to financial obstacles earlier, this step was transformative.

The constant good works of the Chief Minister were also expanded till cultural protection and promotion. Every year on 21 July, which symbolizes “Martyr ‘Day in memory of 13 youths killed in police firing in 193, Mamata Banerjee has always addressed huge rallies. But beyond politics, he has consistently supported the conservation of Bengal’s rich cultural and literary traditions. Initiatives such as Bangla Bari, affordable housing projects for the poor, and assisting folk artists through monthly stipend were part of this comprehensive cultural-economic program.

When natural disasters came, their government actively reacted. The cyclone Amafan, who came on 20 May 2020, destroyed large parts of South Bengal, especially Sundarbans and Kolkata. Within a few days, the Chief Minister announced the Aftan package, promising compensation, relief and mass reconstruction. On 22 May 2020, he visited individually affected areas, indicating that the leadership was not limited to offices only, but extended to solidarity with the victims. Relief and reconstruction of embankments, homes and rural infrastructure became priority by 2020–2021.

During the Covid-19 epidemic (after March 2020), his government’s welfare measures were important. Free ration distribution, cash transfer, emergency health care system, expansion of solitude facilities, and continuity of health companions, all these were good works, which reduced the pain of millions of people. Just after taking oath as Chief Minister for the third time on 5 May 2021, he announced that each family would continue to get free ration by June 2022, which was later carried forward.

His focus on the grassroots regime was seen in the Duare government (government at the door) initiative on 1 December 2020. Through this program, government services were transported directly to villages and areas through outreach camps. People can apply for welfare schemes, update documents, and get direct assistance without bureaucracy delay. The success of the Duare government, which reached millions of people in many stages, remains one of the most quoted examples of administrative innovation in India.

Agriculture and rural development also remained a matter of central concern. The Krishak Bandhu Yojana launched in February 2019 provided financial assistance to the farmers, including the annual direct transfer of income aid as well as assistance to the families in the case of the farmer’s death. This paid attention to both the immediate financial requirements and long -term security of the farming families.

The thing that makes the good works of the Chief Minister different is not just his prevalence, but also his continuity for years. Despite facing political challenges, election battles and natural disasters, he continued to introduce and expand public-focused plans. His third consecutive win in the 2021 assembly elections (2 May 2021) confirmed public confidence in these welfare-oriented policies.

By August 2023, by the time he completed more than 12 years in the office, West Bengal had seen a widespread improvement in human development index, rural contact, women empowerment, food security and healthcare access. Although critics may point to deficiencies, delays or political disputes, a huge range of good works done during his tenure cannot be denied.

The Chief Minister’s ability to connect political public relations with administrative welfare makes his tenure unique. On 20 May 2011, from the date of the first time to take oath to his continuous leadership in the 2020s, Kanyashree (2013), Sabuj Saathi (2015), Khadya Saathi (2016), Health Saathi (2016), Roopashree (2018), Krishnak Bandhu (2019), Duare Sarkar (2020), and Student Credit Card (2020), and Student Credit Card (2021) have extended a foster sources: a well -known sources: Empowerment and government reach the common people.

Thus, Mamata Banerjee’s good works as the Chief Minister of West Bengal are not any isolated steps, but part of a continuous and developing journey since 2011. They represent an effort to give a new shape to the governance in Bengal by focusing on the poorest, marginalized people, women, children and farmers. His legacy is still being written, but so far it is safe to say that his tenure has been one of the most welfare tenure in the history of the state.

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