Bengal Government Ends Religion-Based Welfare Schemes

On 18 May, the newly elected government in West Bengal took a strong political step by ending long-standing religion-based welfare schemes. This move is seen as a major shift in the state's governance and economic policy direction.

In the second cabinet meeting, the government led by Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari made it clear that the state will no longer follow vote-bank politics based on religion.

All financial assistance schemes based on religious identity have been completely discontinued. This includes monthly allowances earlier provided to imams, muezzins, and priests.

The previous government had introduced these allowances as part of its welfare approach. However, the new administration argues that welfare schemes should not be linked to religion.

The state, which is already burdened with a debt of over ₹7.25 lakh crore, considers this decision both economically necessary and politically significant.

The government stated that state resources should benefit all citizens equally, not specific religious groups. The funds saved from discontinuing these schemes will now be used for broader development purposes.

The BJP government’s pre-election slogan “not allowances, but bread and governance” is reflected in this policy shift toward real socio-economic development instead of subsidies.

However, student scholarship schemes have been explicitly excluded from this decision and will continue.

Earlier, allowances were provided to registered imams and muezzins since 2012, and later extended to priests in 2020. Monthly payments ranged from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.

The government has also not yet clarified its position on subsidies for Durga Puja committees and electricity bill concessions, leaving organizers uncertain.

A new scheme called “Annapurna Bhandar” will be launched from 1 June, providing ₹3,000 monthly assistance to eligible women along with free government bus travel.

The cabinet has also approved the formation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees, although decisions on pending dearness allowance are still awaited.

Additionally, the government plans to revise the OBC list following a 2024 Calcutta High Court ruling, which invalidated several community inclusions made during the previous administration.

A new expert committee will be formed to redefine eligibility criteria for OBC classification in the state.