US EditionMamata Banerjee Increases Financial Grant to Durga Puja Committees in West Bengal to ₹1.10 Lakh
WEST BENGAL, JUL 31 – Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee increased grants to Rs 1.1 lakh for 40,000 Durga Puja committees amid political opposition urging refusal as protest against government policies.
- Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the government of West Bengal announced an increase in the annual Durga Puja honorarium to ₹1.10 lakh for more than 45,000 committees throughout the state.
- The grant hike follows earlier increments from ₹10,000 in 2018 and ₹85,000 last year, with the addition of an 80% electricity rebate and complete waiver of government fees and taxes imposed by civic bodies.
- Banerjee urged Puja committees to support returning migrant workers who faced hardship in BJP-ruled states and emphasized safety measures including ambulances, police coordination, and transport services for the festival.
- The honorarium increase will cost the state ₹495 crore and has been criticized by Opposition BJP leaders as a politically motivated move aiming to buy favour from community organisers ahead of elections.
- Durga Puja, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage and central to Bengal's identity, continues to receive strong government support despite political critiques and calls for prioritizing job creation and dues clearance.
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Mamata Banerjee hikes Durga Puja grant to Rs 1.10 lakh, slams BJP over criticism
Around 45,000 Durga Puja committees are registered across the state and will benefit from the increased grant, pushing the total estimated expenditure to over Rs 400 crore this year — a significant rise from last year’s Rs 340 crore.
·India
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Mamata Banerjee increases financial grant to Durga Puja committees in West Bengal to ₹1.10 lakh
Mamata Banerjee declared a grant of ₹1.10 lakh for 40,000 Durga Puja committees to assist in managing expenses for the festival. Additionally, no taxes or service charges will be imposed by state agencies.
·New Delhi, India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 38%
13%
R 50%
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