Kolkata: Hours before the West Bengal assembly poll schedule was announced, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday raised the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins by Rs 500, making it 2000 per month, and pledged to clear long-pending dearness allowance (DA) arrears for state employees and pensioners.
In an X post, Banerjee highlighted the move's role in sustaining "spiritual and social life." "At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the state government," she added, emphasizing religious harmony: "We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and tradition is valued and strengthened. Our endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of our rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve."
The state government introduced these schemes to support Hindu priests and Muslim clerics in religious and community roles. Observers note the timing's electoral significance amid outreach to key groups.
Minutes later, Banerjee announced release of ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 for teachers, non-teaching staff, municipal and panchayat workers, and grant-in-aid institutions—fulfilling a longstanding demand.
This follows a Supreme Court order for 25% arrears by March 31, 2026, after petitions from affected employees.
(Inputs from PTI)