Bengal to introduce Seema Mitra award for border personnel from 2027
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the award to recognise exceptional work by BSF, SSB and state police.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Sunday that his government will launch the 'Seema Mitra' award in 2027. According to The New Indian Express, the honour is intended to recognise the exceptional border guarding duties performed by Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and state police personnel.
Addressing BSF jawans in the Hingalganj area of North 24 Parganas, Adhikari stated that a committee will be established to choose the recipients. The chief minister visited the border outpost to greet personnel during Diwali and Kali Puja.
Adhikari apologised to the BSF and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for the derogatory remarks and behaviour of the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration. He claimed the former Mamata Banerjee government failed to provide necessary land for fencing approximately 600 km of the India-Bangladesh border.
The chief minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the BJP government has since ensured the required land was handed over to the BSF. He noted that the state's civil administration is now working in close coordination with the BSF and SSB.
Adhikari said his government will collaborate with the Centre to increase police stations in frontier districts and provide better logistics and manpower. He also mentioned that West Bengal has 105 police personnel per one lakh population, compared to a national average of 155.