West Bengal Cabinet Rolls Out 'Annapurna' Scheme and Imposes New Civic Priorities

The West Bengal cabinet approved the 'Annapurna' scheme granting Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women and free bus travel. The meeting also discontinued certain religious categorizations and planned drainage system improvements. Other developments include cabinet meetings every 15 days and forming the 7th state pay commission.

On Monday, the West Bengal cabinet unveiled the 'Annapurna' scheme, which provides a Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women starting June 1, and sanctioned free government-run bus travel for women from next month.

At a press briefing, Minister Agnimitra Paul emphasized that beneficiaries include women who sought citizenship under the CAA and tribunal intervention for voter roll inclusion post-SIR exercise. The cabinet also approved setting up a 7th state pay commission.

Efforts are underway to revise OBC categorization following judicial directives and enhance civic systems before monsoons. Notably, the government halted religious-based aids, a shift in policy direction.