Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projects of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal, emphasizing the importance of border security and national integration. The event saw the presence of key officials including West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Mahesh Dixit, and SSB Director General Sanjay Singhal.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that, addressing the gathering, Shah remarked on the significance of the nation’s 80th Independence Day celebrations, noting that for the first time, the complete rendition of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was heard from the ramparts of the Red Fort after 150 years since its composition. He credited Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s composition for providing momentum and a vision for independent India, underscoring the need for cultural nationalism. Shah stated that ‘Vande Mataram’ had not been wholeheartedly embraced by the main opposition party post-Independence, expressing his belief that its daily rendition in schools would instill a strong sense of patriotism in children and youth, a move facilitated by a recent Bill passed by Parliament to integrate the complete song into government programmes.
The Home Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Saptadhara’ initiative, a call to the nation’s youth to engage with seven key streams of national strength: manufacturing, defence, agriculture and food processing, green and blue economy, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti (Infrastructure), and India’s soft power. He noted ambitious targets, including achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and launching eight new semiconductor plants within three years, aiming for India to be at the forefront globally by the centenary of its Independence.
Shah drew a contrast with the previous state government, stating that the former Chief Minister of West Bengal had not attended programs of the SSB and BSF. He asserted that these forces, tasked with protecting borders, should receive support from all political parties. He commended the current West Bengal government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for its prompt cooperation in border security matters, citing the allocation of 1,139 acres of land for the BSF and SSB within 45 days of the government’s formation—land that had been sought since 2014 by the Government of India.
During the event, Shah laid the foundation stone for the administrative building of SSB’s Frontier Headquarters in Siliguri, to be constructed over 80 acres. He also laid foundation stones for the 19th Battalion in Thakurganj, the 12th Battalion in Kishanganj, and a Transit Camp at New Jalpaiguri. These projects, totaling ₹189 crore, are aimed at enhancing administrative and residential facilities for SSB personnel. The Home Minister reiterated that the requirements of security forces have been a top priority for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Recounting the SSB’s history, Shah mentioned its expansion across various states and its crucial role in guarding the open borders with Nepal and Bhutan since 2001 and 2004, respectively. He described monitoring these unfenced borders as one of the most challenging assignments for the SSB personnel, acknowledging the respect the entire country holds for their dedication and contribution to national security and cultural ties with neighbouring countries.
The Union Home Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, a sensitive region connecting eight states and adjoining Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. He stated that the Modi government has fortified national security in this corridor through a triangular grid, increasing awareness, presence, and dominance. The allocation of 560 acres of land by the West Bengal government for critical security infrastructure was lauded, addressing a long-standing requirement. Shah also noted that the Delhi-Siliguri corridor is part of the high-speed rail corridors approved in the 2026-27 Budget, aiming to reduce travel time significantly. He added that the Siliguri and Jalpaiguri stations have been upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Scheme.
Furthermore, Shah spoke about the Vibrant Villages Programme, designed to foster emotional connections with Indians in border villages, with an expenditure of ₹6,839 crore. He stated that ₹190 crore has been invested to improve facilities for personnel and strengthen defence capabilities, aiming to provide a better working environment. Earlier, the Home Minister paid tribute to Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan on his death anniversary, recognizing his contribution to globalizing Indian music, and to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh for his administrative efforts and contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The Chenab Times News Desk