West Bengal CM Tightens Liquor Rules, Unveils Welfare Benefits

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a series of major policy decisions covering alcohol regulation, welfare schemes, and subsidized food services across the state. The announcements, made on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, include stricter rules for liquor shop locations, updates on the Annapurna Yojana, and the expansion of low-cost meal programs. A key highlight of the decision is the new regulation on liquor shops. The Chief Minister stated that no alcohol outlets will be allowed to operate within a one-kilometer radius of schools, colleges, and places of worship, including temples. According to the government, the objective of this rule is to improve the environment around educational institutions and religious sites, ensuring a safer and more disciplined atmosphere for students and communities. The announcement was made during a public address in Kalyani, where the Chief Minister emphasized that the restriction applies uniformly to all such sensitive locations. In addition to the liquor policy, the government also provided updates on the Annapurna Yojana. Under this welfare scheme, application forms are set to be released from May 27. The initiative is expected to provide financial support to women, with beneficiaries receiving ₹3,000 per month. Officials indicated that the scheme aims to strengthen economic security for women and support households in managing daily expenses. Another significant announcement relates to food security and affordable meals. The state government declared that fish and rice meals will be made available at a highly subsidized rate of ₹5. These meals will be served through approximately 400 specially designated canteens across West Bengal. The program is designed to ensure that low-income groups have access to nutritious food at minimal cost, addressing concerns of hunger and affordability. The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on welfare-driven governance, combining regulatory measures with social support programs. While the liquor restrictions focus on public safety and environmental improvement, the Annapurna Yojana and subsidized meal scheme are aimed at direct financial and nutritional assistance. These announcements come at a time when several Indian states have different alcohol policies. For instance, alcohol prohibition has been in place in Bihar since 2016, and similar restrictions exist in Gujarat. States like Mizoram and Nagaland also enforce complete prohibition. Additionally, the Supreme Court has previously issued guidelines regarding the location of liquor shops near highways and clarified rules concerning proximity to educational and religious institutions. Overall, the latest decisions reflect a combined approach of stricter regulation and expanded welfare support, targeting both social discipline and economic assistance for residents across West Bengal.