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

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