Why Are Durga Puja Committees Rejecting Mamata's Rs 1.10 Lakh Donation?
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Synopsis
In a bold stand, various Durga Puja committees in West Bengal have declined the state government’s increased donation of Rs 1.10 lakh, calling for justice for the R.G. Kar victim. This decision echoes their refusal from the previous year, emphasizing the need for societal accountability over financial aid.
Key Takeaways
- Durga Puja committees prioritize justice over state funding.
- Refusal of donations reflects community values.
- Increased donation amount did not sway committees' decision.
- Past incidents continue to impact current decisions.
- Community leaders emphasize cultural integrity.
Kolkata, Aug 6 (NationPress) Just like last year, various community Durga Puja committees in West Bengal have opted out of the state government's annual Durga Puja donation, insisting on justice for the R.G. Kar rape and murder victim.
Recently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced an increase in the annual Puja donations to Rs 1,10,000 for each community Puja committee, a rise from Rs 85,000 from the previous year. However, within a week of this announcement, two community Durga Puja committees have declared their refusal to accept this amount.
The two committees that have declined the state government’s donations are the Charer Polli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee from Ranaghat in Nadia district and the 7 and 14 Palli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee from Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.
Representatives from both Puja committees stated that they will not accept the government’s financial assistance until justice is served for the R.G. Kar victim and her family.
Notably, these two committees also rejected the state’s Puja donations last year amidst widespread protests following the tragic events.
Tuhin Roy, an organiser from the 7 and 14 Palli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee, emphasized that while the Rs 1.10 lakh is significant, their commitment to societal issues takes precedence. “We all agreed to cut back on our expenses for the Puja instead of accepting the government’s funds. Last year, we also turned down the Rs 85,000 donation. Justice for the victim and her parents is yet to be achieved, and that is why we are refusing the government’s assistance again this year,” said Roy.
Partha Sarathi Chattopadhyay, a BJP legislator from the Rangahat (North-East) Assembly constituency and a key organiser of the Charer Polli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee, stated that it is preferable to conduct the Puja on a smaller scale rather than accept the government’s funding.
“This state government fails to ensure women’s safety, does not provide dearness allowance to state employees, and cannot guarantee employment for the youth. Accepting donations from such a government undermines the sanctity of Durga Puja, which is an integral part of our cultural heritage,” Chattopadhyay remarked.
Point of View
This refusal to accept state donations by Durga Puja committees highlights a broader issue of societal responsibility. It reflects the community's desire to prioritize justice and accountability over financial gain, reinforcing the significance of cultural and ethical values in our society.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Durga Puja committees refuse the donation?
The committees are demanding justice for the R.G. Kar rape and murder victim and believe that accepting the funds undermines their cause.
What was the amount of donation offered by the state government?
The state government increased the annual donation to Rs 1.10 lakh from Rs 85,000.
Which committees have refused the donation?
The 'Charer Polli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee' and '7 and 14 Palli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee' have both declined the donation.
Is this the first time the committees have refused the donation?
No, both committees also rejected the previous year's donation amid protests surrounding the victim's case.
Who is Partha Sarathi Chattopadhyay?
He is a BJP legislator and one of the principal organisers of the Charer Polli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee.
