Will Bengal Govt’s Increased Durga Puja Donation Be Addressed in SC?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal government's decision to boost Durga Puja funding amid ongoing dearness allowance disputes raises questions about financial priorities. As the Supreme Court hearing approaches, state employees are set to challenge the government’s actions.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court hearing on August 4.
- Increased funding for Durga Puja committees raises concerns.
- Contempt-of-court petition filed by state employees.
- Financial priorities questioned amid cultural funding.
- Political implications as elections approach.
Kolkata, Aug 1 (NationPress) The matter concerning the increased annual financial assistance from the West Bengal government to various community Durga Puja committees this year may become a central issue during the Supreme Court proceedings. This arises as the legal representatives of state government employees file a contempt-of-court petition against the state for not disbursing 25 percent of the dearness allowance arrears to both current and retired employees by the June 30 deadline set by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
The pivotal hearing on this issue is set for August 4.
An official from the Joint Forum of State Government Employees, the collective advocating for dearness allowance parity with the Central government, expressed concern over the government’s selective financial priorities. They pointed out that while the state cited financial constraints for not clearing dues, it simultaneously increased the funding for community Durga Puja committees.
“We've discussed this matter with our legal team and they intend to bring it up during the important court hearing on August 4,” they stated.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised the grant for each community Durga Puja committee to Rs 1.10 lakh, up from Rs 85,000 last year.
This increase is seen by political analysts as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
BJP’s Information Technology Cell Chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, criticized the government's decision to enhance funding for community Durga Puja committees, particularly when it struggles to pay the dearness allowance to state employees.
“Shameful! West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has escalated the Durga Puja funding from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.10 lakh per committee — a staggering Rs 400 crore allocation to nearly 45,000 puja clubs! This comes from a government that informed the Supreme Court it cannot pay dearness allowance because it would be 'backbreaking'! A contempt petition is set for hearing on August 4,” Malviya remarked in a statement on his official X account.
Point of View
This situation underscores the necessity for governments to address employee grievances while balancing cultural commitments. The West Bengal government needs to demonstrate accountability in its financial decisions, ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current dearness allowance issue in West Bengal?
The West Bengal government is facing a contempt-of-court petition for not clearing 25% of dearness allowance arrears to state employees by the mandated deadline.
When is the Supreme Court hearing scheduled?
The crucial hearing is set for August 4.
What is the new grant amount for Durga Puja committees?
The grant for each community Durga Puja committee has been increased to Rs 1.10 lakh.
Why are state employees upset about the Durga Puja funding?
Employees feel that the government prioritizing cultural funding over their dues reflects a lack of accountability.
What did BJP officials say about the funding increase?
BJP leaders criticized the funding increase, highlighting the contradiction between the government's financial claims and its spending.
