Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday an increase in the financial assistance for community Durga Puja committees to Rs 1.10 lakh, a rise from Rs 85,000 in the previous year.

During a coordination meeting held at Netaji Indoor Stadium, which included Durga Puja organizers, state officials, and Kolkata Police, CM Banerjee surprised everyone with a Rs 25,000 increase for each of the over 43,000 Durga Puja committees across the state.

Last year, she had indicated that the amount would reach Rs 1 lakh per committee, but analysts believe this new figure is strategically set ahead of next year's assembly elections.

“Last year, each Durga Puja organizer received Rs 85,000. This year, we will provide Rs 1.10 lakh. I hope this brings joy to everyone. Let’s ensure a joyous and prosperous Durga Puja,” stated Banerjee.

The Chief Minister also declared a substantial electricity concession for the committees.

“Our state power department along with CESC Ltd will offer an 80 percent concession on electricity bills for puja organizers. Additionally, fire licenses and other government fees will be waived,” she added.

Furthermore, Banerjee encouraged Durga Puja committees to assist returning Bengali migrant workers who have faced issues in states governed by the BJP.

“I urge community puja committees to support those returning to Bengal after enduring hardships elsewhere. We need to provide them with food and clothing; we must not turn them away,” she emphasized.

She also called for her administration to monitor the themes of Durga Puja to prevent hazardous overcrowding situations.

“Please observe the themes created by Durga Puja committees. Some themes can lead to stampede-like conditions. We must ensure such situations are avoided,” she advised.

This was likely a reference to the Ram Mandir-themed pandal by the Santosh Mitra Square committee in central Kolkata, which experienced a dangerous influx of visitors.

The principal organizer of that puja is a BJP leader and municipal councillor, Sajal Ghosh.

In the meantime, Banerjee criticized BJP leaders for challenging her government's decision to allocate grants for Durga Puja committees in the Calcutta High Court.

“Many allege that I am hindering Durga Puja in Bengal and that Saraswati Puja is not celebrated here. However, Saraswati Puja is celebrated in every home. Some have even approached the court against our grant distribution. Why shouldn’t we assist Puja committees? The Durga Puja festival creates jobs and sustains livelihoods for countless individuals, and these grants support those efforts,” she stated.

Banerjee further instructed the police to utilize drones, CCTV cameras, and observation towers to enhance crowd control during the festival. “Control rooms must operate continuously. The safety of women must be our priority,” she stressed.

In response, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized Banerjee’s announcement regarding the grant increase.

“Her government should first address the overdue dearness allowance for government employees before allocating any grants to the Puja committees. Salaries should be increased for all categories of workers rather than simply raising these grants,” Adhikari remarked.