9 Years of Service to the People The Left-Front Government and the People of the State Proudly Celebrate Nine Years of United Achievement. Since 1977 when the Left Front Government assumed office in West Bengal, the State has made surefooted progress towards the promise of overall prosperity despite numerous obstacles and very meagre resources at its disposal. In addition to financial constraints a major hindrance has been the lack of desired cooperation from the Central Government. But all this notwithstanding, the State Government has intensified its efforts to lighten the burden of the common man through a phased programme of basic development. Education- Panchayat- Family Welfare : The Government has helped establish a practical, scientific and mass-oriented education system in the State. Today 23% of the State budget is spent on education. An extensive programme to provide education to 94% of children aged between 6 and 11 years, has been undertaken Education has been made free upto Clas< 12 and nationalised text-books are distributed among primary school students free of cost. 16,608 adult education centres and 18,260 non-conventional education centres have been set up. In a bid to spread democratic consiousness to the remotest villages, the Left Front Government revived the moribund Panchayat system of rural administration. Today the Panchayat stands as a friend to the rural poor, proved in the elections of 1978 and 1983. Weaker sections of society now take active part in the activities of the Panchayat. The Government has taken steps to establish a proper health care system for the prople by providing for a per-capita expenditure of Rs. 37.09 annually. Eradication of dangerous diseases has been given priority. Land Reforms-Agriculture-Commerce & Industry : From the beginning the Left Front Government realised that the only key to true progress was to liberate the helpless farmer and the distressed from economic oppression and exploitation. 13.39 lakh sharecroppers received a new lease of life through Operation Barga. Out of 12.50 lakh acres of land vested in the State, 8.13 lakh acres have been distributed among landless peasants. Of the 16.40 lakh beneficiaries, more than 55% belong to Schedule Castes & Schedule Tribes. 2.5 lakh persons have been provided with homestead land. The last 9 years have also witnessed record agricultural production despite the vagaries of nature and other hazards. Stress has been laid on soil and water conservation measures for development of agriculture in all problem-stricken areas of the State. The State has also made progress in seed procurement, distribution of mini-kits, seed production, irrigation and allied areas. Crop insurance schemes have been implemented. The State Government has helped farmers get a fair price for their produce. The Left Front Government of West Bengal was the first to announce a proper industrial policy. The Government is giving special incentives to set up new industries. The West Bengal Industrial Infrastructure Development Corpn. is spearheading rapid industrialisation of backward areas. The working classes have got back their rights and privileges for a more secured and promising life. The industrial climate in the State is now congenial to growth of new industries. Power-Environmenf-and others : During the last 9 years the State Government had to take effective measures to counter the power crisis created earlier. As a result power generation capacity has gone up by more than 1337 megawatts. On-going projects at Kolaghat, Ramman and other places will soon provide additional power. The Department of Environment was instituted in 1982 and has made commendable progress in areas like air and water pollution and other environment projects. This apart, sports and youth welfare programmes and promotion of cultural activity have received special attention. A number of new tourist hostels and tourist lodges have added to the potential of the tourism industry in West Bengal. The Left Front Government is marching ahead with the people. GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL ICA 3639/86.