Mamata Hikes Puja Grant: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced an increase in the annual Durga Puja grant to community Puja committees across the state—from ₹60,000 to ₹70,000—while simultaneously urging local residents to extend care and support to migrant workers who are returning to Bengal after facing severe hardships elsewhere.
The announcement was made during a coordination meeting held at Netaji Indoor Stadium with club organizers and members of Puja committees across the state. The event, which is a yearly fixture in the run-up to Bengal’s most celebrated festival, saw a massive turnout of over 40,000 organizers.
Increased Grant and Waived Electricity Fees
This year, each recognized Durga Puja committee will receive ₹70,000 from the state government—a ₹10,000 hike from last year’s grant. In addition, the electricity charges will continue to be fully waived for all registered Pujas, a benefit that has been in place since 2020.
CM Banerjee emphasized that these measures were not only a celebration of the state’s cultural identity but also a form of economic support for communities that pour time and resources into organizing the annual festivities.
“We celebrate Durga Puja like no other place in the world. It is not just a festival, but a symbol of Bengal’s inclusive culture, unity, and economic movement,” Banerjee said.
Call to Support Returning Migrants
Alongside the celebratory announcements, Mamata took a serious tone to highlight the plight of Bengali migrant workers returning from other states, particularly those governed by the BJP.
“Migrants have faced a lot of atrocities in several states. Now many are coming back home. I urge all of you to support them. They are our brothers and sisters,” she said, addressing the gathering.
Banerjee cited repeated instances of mistreatment of Bengali labourers in several north Indian states, referencing reports of torture and wrongful detentions. She assured that the state government was actively working on welfare packages and rehabilitation plans for those returning.
Durga Puja as an Economic Engine
The CM reiterated that Durga Puja contributes significantly to Bengal’s economy. According to a British Council report commissioned in 2022, the festival generates more than ₹32,000 crore in economic output and creates thousands of jobs across creative, hospitality, and service sectors.
She said the state will soon launch the official Durga Puja website and mobile app for 2025 to assist tourists and locals in exploring heritage pujas, food trails, and safe celebration routes.
Mamata Hikes Puja Grant: Criticism of BJP-Led Centre
Mamata Banerjee also used the occasion to criticize the central government for its discriminatory policies against Bengal. She alleged that the Centre was withholding crucial funds under several welfare schemes including MNREGA and PM Awas Yojana.
“They are playing politics with the rights of the poor. While Bengal contributes to the national GDP, we are denied our fair share of resources,” Banerjee said.
The CM accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to disrupt communal harmony and manipulate NRC (National Register of Citizens) implementation through the Election Commission. She warned Puja organizers to be vigilant and urged them not to fall into the trap of divisive politics.
Inclusion of Women and Minorities
Banerjee further requested Puja committees to ensure greater inclusion of women, minorities, and marginal communities in organizing functions. “Durga is Shakti. Let the women lead the Pujas. Give the younger generation more space and responsibilities,” she said.
She reminded the clubs of their roles not just during Puja, but throughout the year—particularly in social work, healthcare drives, blood donation camps, and disaster relief.
Security and Administrative Updates
The Kolkata Police and other civic bodies will once again implement the Puja-specific traffic and emergency control measures starting from Mahalaya. Fire safety checks, food stall permits, and crowd management protocols will be announced in early September.
Last year’s ‘Safe Puja’ initiative received praise from UNESCO observers, and the CM mentioned that similar protocols will continue this year, especially in light of recent reports of overcrowding and fire hazards at large-scale events.
Government’s Cultural Outreach Plans
Mamata Banerjee ended her speech by reinforcing Bengal’s identity as a state of art, culture, and resistance. “From Durga Puja to Eid, from Christmas to Guru Nanak Jayanti—this state belongs to everyone. That is what makes Bengal different.”
The government plans to organize a month-long cultural carnival post-Durga Puja with performances, exhibitions, and community fairs across districts to promote Bengal’s heritage and local artists.
External References for Further Reading
- British Council Report on Durga Puja’s Economic Impact
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List – Durga Puja
- West Bengal Government Official Site
- Kolkata Police Traffic Guidelines for Puja
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