Amit Shah Reviews West Bengal’s Law and Order, Calls for Stronger Policing and Enhanced Public Safety Measures
Union Home Minister outlines roadmap for police modernisation, women’s safety, border security, cybersecurity and anti-terror infrastructure during high-level review meeting in Kolkata
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Kolkata | July 19, 2026
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting in Kolkata to assess the law and order situation in West Bengal, with discussions focusing on strengthening policing, internal security, judicial coordination and public service delivery across the state.
The meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister, the State Chief Secretary, senior officials of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of the West Bengal Government.
During the review, the Union Home Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to enhancing public safety and improving the efficiency of law enforcement agencies. A series of measures aimed at modernising the state’s policing infrastructure, strengthening security institutions and improving coordination between central and state agencies were discussed.
Focus on Women’s Safety
A key priority highlighted during the meeting was the safety and empowerment of women, particularly in rural areas. Shri Amit Shah called for the launch of a Women Outreach Programme that would encourage regular interaction between government officials and rural women.
The initiative is expected to focus on creating awareness about legal rights, government welfare schemes, personal safety and avenues for seeking assistance, while promoting greater community participation in ensuring women’s security.
Strengthening Internal Security
To reinforce the state’s security framework, discussions centred on establishing specialised institutions dedicated to tackling emerging security challenges.
Among the proposals reviewed were the creation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and a Special Investigation Agency (SIA) modelled on the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These institutions are expected to strengthen investigations into organised crime, narcotics trafficking and terrorism-related offences.
It was also decided that the National Investigation Agency would undertake a comprehensive review of terrorism-related investigations and cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) concerning West Bengal.
Border Security and Encroachment
The review meeting also addressed security concerns in border regions. Directions were issued to remove illegal encroachments from government land located along border areas, with the objective of improving border management and facilitating better coordination among security agencies.
Police Modernisation
Modernisation of the West Bengal Police emerged as another major area of discussion. The Union Home Minister assured continued financial support from the Central Government to upgrade policing infrastructure, improve technology adoption and strengthen service delivery mechanisms.
The review included proposals to assess police manpower, increase force strength where required, rationalise police districts, fill existing vacancies on priority and expand training capacity for personnel. Discussions also focused on reducing dependence on civic volunteers through regular recruitment of trained police personnel.
Public Service Centres in Former LWE Areas
In an effort to improve governance in regions previously affected by Left-Wing Extremism, it was decided that one-third of the existing security camps in such areas would gradually be converted into Public Service Centres.
The initiative aims to bring essential government services closer to local communities while maintaining a strong administrative presence in these regions.
Cybersecurity and Disaster Preparedness
The meeting also emphasised strengthening cybersecurity capabilities to address the growing threat of cybercrime. Officials discussed improving institutional preparedness through capacity building and enhanced technical infrastructure.
Regular meetings under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism were also emphasised to improve coordination against narcotics trafficking.
Recognising Kolkata’s recurring vulnerability to heavy rainfall and urban flooding, officials were directed to prepare a comprehensive flood management strategy aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response.
Time-Bound Implementation
At the conclusion of the review, priority areas requiring immediate attention were identified, with concerned agencies asked to ensure timely implementation of the decisions and maintain close coordination for effective execution.
IBG NEWS Analysis
The review meeting reflects the Centre’s emphasis on strengthening internal security through institutional reforms, technology-driven policing and improved coordination between agencies. The proposals cover a broad spectrum—from women’s safety and anti-terror capabilities to cybersecurity, disaster preparedness and police modernisation.
If implemented effectively in coordination with the state administration, these measures could contribute to enhanced public safety, improved policing standards and stronger administrative outreach across West Bengal, particularly in rural, border and previously Left-Wing Extremism-affected regions.
