Milestones achieved by Left in West Bengal

Milestones achieved by the Left Front in West Bengal.

1977:

HT Image

Left Front comes to power in West Bengal, with Jyoti Basu as chief minister, on June 21

1978:

Land reforms initiated, with government acquiring 13 lakh acres and distributing it among 25 lakh landless households. Of all the surplus land distributed in India, a fifth is in Bengal

1978:

Operation Barga implemented, benefiting 14 lakh sharecroppers. Also empowers 5.5 lakh women by giving them land title deeds

1978:

Three-tier Panchayati Raj system introduced, first time in India, decentralising power and promoting local self-governance

1980-81:

Land reforms results begin to show, with agricultural production rising 136% over previous decade. Even higher rise in 2000-01: 180%

1994:

Left Front announces an industrial policy

1995:

Women given reservation in one-third of seats and chairpersons’ positions in Panchayati Raj system

1999:

Number of primary schools rises to 1.23 crore from 57 lakh in 1978; life expectancy rises to 72 years, third-best in country

2000:

Left Front announces new policy on industrial promotion and economic development, welcoming foreign technology and investment and private investment in key areas

2000:

Ailing Jyoti Basu steps down after 23 years in power, the longest tenure by any Indian chief minister. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee takes over

2001:

Buddhadeb wins first election as chief minister, ushers in sweeping industrial reforms

2006:

Left wins a 7th straight time, with CPI(M) alone holding majority