West Bengal Govt Plans 7th Pay Commission, Annapurna Bhandar Scheme for Women

Kolkata: After the formation of the new BJP government in West Bengal, preparations for major decisions have started at the administrative level. Many important issues related to government employees, women and welfare schemes were discussed in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari. The government has indicated it will take steps towards implementing the Seventh Pay Commission. Besides, decisions like free bus travel for women and eliminating religion-based benefits in schemes are also under discussion.

What relief can government employees get?

The state government is preparing to implement the Seventh Pay Commission. For a long time, the government employees of West Bengal were demanding to be given salary and dearness allowance equal to the central government employees. The new government has indicated that a decision can be taken soon on the issue of change in pay structure and outstanding DA. A lot of enthusiasm is being seen among the employees regarding this decision.

When will women get free bus travel?

The government has announced that women in the state will be given free travel facility in government buses from June 1. This decision is being considered a part of BJP's election promises. The government claims that this will provide financial relief to girl students, working women and women who travel daily.

What will be available in ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme?

The new government is also going to launch ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme. According to reports, under this scheme, eligible women can be given financial assistance every month. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has already indicated that the scheme will be implemented soon.

What is the government's stance regarding religion based schemes?

The government has made it clear that now no kind of incentive schemes will be run on the basis of religion. The BJP government is presenting it as “equal benefits policy”. However, the opposition has accused the government of running a political agenda regarding this decision.

How important are the decisions considered politically?

Experts believe that the new BJP government wants to give a clear message through its initial decisions that it will focus on administrative reforms and public interest schemes. Announcements like Seventh Pay Commission and free travel for women are also being linked to the upcoming political strategy.