NEW DELHI: The West Bengal cabinet led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday decided to discontinue government assistance to groups based on religious categorisation from June, while also approving a new monthly financial assistance scheme for women and free bus travel in state-run buses.This development comes after CM Adhikari held a ‘Janata Darbar’ at the BJP office in Salt Lake City, Kolkata, where he interacted with citizens and heard their grievances. Watch Suvendu Adhikari Govt Begins BSF Border Fencing Push, Rolls Out Central SchemesAdhikari also reiterated that Bengali culture would regain global prominence after what he described as years of suppression under the previous regime.What are Bengal cabinet’s big decisionsAddressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, state minister Agnimitra Paul said, “The Bengal cabinet decided to discontinue government assistance to groups based on religious categorisation from June.”She also announced that the state government had approved the ‘Annapurna’ scheme under which eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 per month from June 1.”The cabinet gave a nod to the ‘Annapurna’ scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1. It also approved a proposal to allow free travel for women in government-run buses from June 1,” she said.She added that women who had applied for citizenship under the CAA and approached tribunals for inclusion in voter rolls would also be eligible for benefits under the Annapurna scheme.Paul said the government had alsodecided to scrap the existing state OBC list following a Calcutta High Court judgment and would set up an inquiry panel to determine quota eligibility.The cabinet also approved the constitution of the 7th State Pay Commission for government employees, staff in allied statutory bodies, education boards and employees working in state-run educational institutions.The BJP secured a sweeping victory in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, winning 206 seats in the 294-member House, while the All India Trinamool Congress finished second with 80 seats. On May 9, Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the ninth chief minister of West Bengal after defeating former chief minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur seat.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWHO Declares Ebola Outbreak A Global Emergency | Is India Prepared?ED Raids AAP Leader Deepak Singla’s Home; Atishi Alleges BJP Targeting Party In Goa“Dangerous Escalation”: India Condemns Drone Attack Near Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in UAESC Raises Serious Reservation Over Umar Khalid Bail Rejection; Says ‘Bail Is Rule, Jail Exception’Police Recover Several Aadhaar Cards, Govt Land Documents From TMC Office In BidhannagarVD Satheesan To Be Sworn In As Kerala CM Today; 20-Member Cabinet To Take Oath“Idli is a culinary marvel, not to be confused with rasgulla,” says Tharoor in viral food debateSweden Confers ‘Royal Order Of Polar Star Commander Grand Cross’ On PM ModiPM Modi Invites Europe To Partner India’s Growth Journey, Pushes India-EU FTA In SwedenKolkata: Protest Against Demolition Drive Turns Violent In Park Circus, 3 Cops Injured123Photostories7 animals that are not scared of snakes5 effective ways to keep house flies away from home and prevent yourself from falling sick7 stunning glass houses worldwide that redefine modern living and architectural beautyVirat Kohli’s most powerful quotes for anyone struggling with stress, career pressure, or burnoutBobcat vs lynx: Can you actually tell the difference between two similar-looking cats?8 Actors who turned down the role of James Bond: Rod Taylor, Richard Johnson, and more8 easy hobbies that slow brain agingWant birds to nest in your garden? These simple tricks can help5 popular beauty hacks that are actually worth tryingWhat’s inside the deep, natural water slides of Snake Canyon in Oman; decoding the mystery123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingAll Biomods in Subnautica 2Brittany mahomesFifa World Cup 2026Who is aj brown wifeKolkata VIP Security CutIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026London Tube StrikeDelhi High CourtFuel Price Hike
NEW DELHI: The West Bengal cabinet led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday decided to discontinue government assistance to groups based on religious categorisation from June, while also approving a new monthly financial assistance scheme for women and free bus travel in state-run buses.This development comes after CM Adhikari held a ‘Janata Darbar’ at the BJP office in Salt Lake City, Kolkata, where he interacted with citizens and heard their grievances. Adhikari also reiterated that Bengali culture would regain global prominence after what he described as years of suppression under the previous regime.
What are Bengal cabinet’s big decisions
- Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, state minister Agnimitra Paul said, “The Bengal cabinet decided to discontinue government assistance to groups based on religious categorisation from June.”
- She also announced that the state government had approved the ‘Annapurna’ scheme under which eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 per month from June 1.
- “The cabinet gave a nod to the ‘Annapurna’ scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1. It also approved a proposal to allow free travel for women in government-run buses from June 1,” she said.
- She added that women who had applied for citizenship under the CAA and approached tribunals for inclusion in voter rolls would also be eligible for benefits under the
Annapurna scheme . - Paul said the government had alsodecided to scrap the existing state OBC list following a Calcutta High Court judgment and would set up an inquiry panel to determine quota eligibility.
- The cabinet also approved the constitution of the 7th State Pay Commission for government employees, staff in allied statutory bodies, education boards and employees working in state-run educational institutions.
- The BJP secured a sweeping victory in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, winning 206 seats in the 294-member House, while the All India Trinamool Congress finished second with 80 seats. On May 9, Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the ninth chief minister of West Bengal after defeating former chief minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur seat.
