Bengal cabinet clears new industrial policy, bars future teachers from participating in politics

The West Bengal cabinet on Wednesday approved the state's new industry policy, which aims to attract fresh investments through incentives, faster clearances and changes to land-allocation rules, officials said. Bengal cabinet clears new industrial policy, bars future teachers from participating in politicsChief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will formally announce the policy details from the state secretariat Nabanna on November 5, they said.

The CM, addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting, said, "Dhanteras, Diwali and Kali Puja are approaching. This is an auspicious time for us. Two government programmes will be held on November 5 -- the announcement of the state's industrial policy and the transfer of money to farmers." URSC, ISRO Recruitment 2026: Apply for 61 Technician and other posts at ursc.gov.in, details here The chief minister further announced that on November 5, he will also chair a programme to transfer financial assistance to eligible farmers under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Adhikari said the state government would provide an additional ₹3,000 to farmers who receive benefits under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Beyond the Numbers: How finance professionals can stay relevant in a changing industry "We will disburse the amount in two instalments under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Only those who receive benefits under PM-Kisan will be eligible. Farmers across all districts will receive the money," he said. Adhikari said he would attend the programme at Pursurah in Hooghly district, from where the money would be transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts.

Among other proposals approved by the cabinet is renaming the state's 'Krishak Bandhu' scheme as 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi', an official said. "The first instalment of ₹2,000 is scheduled to be transferred directly to the bank accounts of around 48 lakh registered farmers on November 5 in the presence of Adhikari and Agriculture Minister Dudh Kumar Mondal," he said.

The cabinet also approved the proposal to observe 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' from November 11 to 18. Education sector leaders, policymakers to discuss AI in classrooms, skilling at Mumbai conference Adhikari said the state cabinet also decided that teachers recruited through future School Service Commission (SSC) appointments will not be allowed to participate directly in politics or contest elections.

He said the restriction would apply only to future recruits and would not cover teachers already in service, including those holding elected positions in panchayats and municipalities. "Teachers in no other state of the country are directly involved in politics.

Seeing the examples of states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, we have decided that teachers in West Bengal will also no longer be allowed to participate directly in politics. Those appointed through the SSC in the coming days will not be allowed to contest panchayat, municipal, assembly or Lok Sabha elections, or engage directly in politics," he said.

"The rule will, however, not apply to those who have already secured jobs and are holding political positions, including elected representatives in panchayats and municipalities. There was no such legal condition at the time of their appointment, so existing employees will remain outside its purview," the CM added.

Adhikari said the decision was aimed at improving the standard of education in the state.