Is There Confusion Over the Financial Burden on Bengal's Exchequer for Durga Puja Grants?
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Synopsis
Confusion swirls around the financial implications of increased Durga Puja grants in West Bengal. Simultaneous claims on the number of eligible committees have triggered scrutiny and debate, with opposition leaders urging a boycott of government funds amidst rising concerns over unemployment and state spending.
Key Takeaways
- Confusion over beneficiary numbers
- Grant increase to Rs 1.10 lakh
- Total payout could reach Rs 495 crore
- Criticism from opposition parties
- Electricity concessions add to state burden
Kolkata, Aug 2 (NationPress) Uncertainty is rising within the West Bengal State Secretariat regarding the precise financial implications for the state exchequer following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent declaration to boost the annual funding for community Durga Puja committees this year.
The confusion arises from the actual count of community Durga Puja committees eligible for the state-sponsored grants, with conflicting numbers emerging.
While the “Forum for Durgotsav”, an umbrella organization representing various community Durga Puja committees in West Bengal, estimates the number at 43,000, the Chief Minister announced earlier this week that 45,000 community Durga Puja committees would qualify for the grant this year.
This figure was referenced when the Chief Minister revealed that the annual financial assistance to each Puja committee would rise to Rs 1.10 lakh from Rs 85,000 last year.
Assuming the number of beneficiary Puja Committees this year is indeed 45,000, as mentioned by the Chief Minister, the total direct payout from the state exchequer will amount to Rs 495 crore, marking a 35 percent increase over last year’s Rs 365.5 crore.
Conversely, if the count of beneficiary Puja Committees is 43,000, as per the “Forum for Durgotsav” records, the total payout from the state exchequer will be Rs 473 crore, a 29 percent rise from last year’s Rs 365.5 crore.
Insiders from the state finance department have indicated that while the aforementioned figures represent just the direct payout from the state exchequer, the actual financial burden will be significantly higher, considering the substantial 80 percent electricity concessions granted to beneficiary Puja committees in addition to the annual funding.
Opposition parties have already criticized the state government regarding this increase in Puja funding.
The leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday urged community Durga Puja Committees in West Bengal to decline the annual funding from the government.
He called on them to take this stand in memory of the young woman doctor who was tragically raped and murdered last August at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, and in solidarity with the numerous unemployed youth in the state, whose dreams, he claims, have been crushed by ineffective government policies.
Adhikari also pledged full support to those community Durga Puja committees that choose to reject the state government's financial support this year.
Point of View
It is essential to evaluate the conflicting numbers and the potential financial impact on the state exchequer. The ongoing debate surrounding the grant figures highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government funding, especially in the context of community welfare and economic stability. As the situation unfolds, it will be vital for stakeholders to address these concerns adequately.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount of the Durga Puja grant this year?
The total amount of the Durga Puja grant this year could be either Rs 495 crore or Rs 473 crore, depending on whether 45,000 or 43,000 committees are eligible, respectively.
How much has the grant increased from last year?
The grant has increased to Rs 1.10 lakh from Rs 85,000 last year, representing a significant rise.
What are the concerns raised by opposition parties?
Opposition parties are challenging the increased grant, urging committees to refuse government funds due to rising unemployment and concerns about state spending.
What other benefits do beneficiary committees receive?
In addition to the grant, beneficiary committees receive an 80 percent concession on electricity costs.
Who is the leader of the opposition in West Bengal?
The leader of the opposition in West Bengal is Suvendu Adhikari.
