The West Bengal government on Monday approved the 7th Pay Commission for state employees and launched the Annapurna Bhandar scheme offering Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women. The cabinet also cleared free bus travel for women and announced the withdrawal of religion-based support schemes from June 1.
Quick Glance
- West Bengal cabinet approves implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for state employees
- Annapurna Bhandar scheme to provide Rs 3,000 monthly aid to women
- Free travel for women in state-run buses to begin from June 1
- Religion-based scholarship and support schemes to end next month
Bengal Government Announces Major Welfare and Salary Reforms
Agartala/Kolkata: In a significant policy move, the West Bengal cabinet on Monday approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees. The decision came during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of government employees who had long demanded salary revision in line with central pay commission recommendations. Officials said the cabinet extensively discussed the proposal before granting final approval.
After the meeting, state Minister for Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Agnimitra Paul addressed the media and confirmed the development.
She said the revised pay structure would soon be implemented under the 7th Pay Commission framework. However, the government has not yet disclosed the exact financial burden or implementation timeline.
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Gets Cabinet Nod
The cabinet also approved the launch of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, a new welfare programme aimed at supporting women across the state financially.
Under the scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 every month through direct bank transfer. The programme was one of the major promises made in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto during the recently concluded Assembly elections.
According to Agnimitra Paul, women already receiving assistance under the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will automatically be migrated to the new scheme.
The government plans to ensure a seamless transition. Existing beneficiaries will continue to receive funds directly into their bank accounts without submitting fresh applications.
Meanwhile, women who were excluded from the previous scheme can now apply under the Annapurna Bhandar programme. A dedicated online portal for new registration will be launched shortly.
Free Bus Travel for Women from June 1
In another major decision, the cabinet approved free travel for women in all state-run public buses beginning June 1.
The initiative aims to reduce transportation expenses for women commuters and improve access to workplaces, educational institutions, and public services.
However, the government has not announced any immediate expansion of the public transport fleet. According to the minister, the administration will initially use the existing infrastructure and operational buses to implement the scheme.
She also informed that the full state budget would be presented in June. During the cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly indicated plans to induct more electric buses into the public transport network in the near future.
Religion-Based Schemes to Be Withdrawn
The cabinet also decided to discontinue scholarship and welfare schemes linked to religious classifications.
The affected programmes currently operate under the Information & Cultural Affairs Department and the Minority Affairs & Madrasah Education Department.
Agnimitra Paul stated that these benefits would continue only for the current month. From June 1 onwards, the schemes would cease to operate.
The decision is likely to trigger political debate in the state, especially over welfare distribution policies and minority-focused programmes.
Key Announcements at a Glance
| Initiative | Key Details |
|---|---|
| 7th Pay Commission | Approved for West Bengal state employees |
| Annapurna Bhandar Scheme | Rs 3,000 monthly aid for women |
| Beneficiary Transition | Lakshmir Bhandar recipients auto-shifted |
| Free Bus Service | Women to travel free from June 1 |
| Transport Plan | More electric buses proposed |
| Religion-Based Schemes | To be discontinued from June 1 |
Political and Economic Impact
The back-to-back announcements reflect the state government’s attempt to balance employee welfare, women-centric financial support, and transport relief measures ahead of the upcoming budget session.
Political observers believe the Annapurna Bhandar scheme may become one of the flagship welfare programmes in the state. At the same time, the 7th Pay Commission approval could improve employee satisfaction and strengthen administrative morale.
However, questions remain regarding the financial sustainability of multiple welfare initiatives. Experts are also closely watching how the government plans to manage transport infrastructure without significantly increasing the bus fleet.
People Also Ask
What is the Annapurna Bhandar scheme?
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is a new financial assistance programme launched by the West Bengal government that offers eligible women Rs 3,000 every month.
When will free bus travel for women start in West Bengal?
The free bus travel scheme for women in state-run buses will begin from June 1.
Will Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?
No. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will automatically be shifted to the Annapurna Bhandar scheme. (Edited)