With the West Bengal Assembly elections nearing, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has presented the Trinamool Congress (TMC) manifesto centred on 10 'Protigya'. Positioned as a roadmap for the next five years, the document combines welfare expansion, infrastructure plans and economic goals.
"For 15 years, you have placed your faith in us, and it is that faith which has been our greatest strength and our most solemn responsibility... Today, the Bengal model of governance stands as a testament to what is possible when people and their government walk together in trust.
Across the country, other states have looked to Bengal as a living example of what a people-first administration can achieve," the Chief Minister stated.
Asserting that the state will "continue to move forward", the TMC supremo said, "I give you my solemn word that this journey of progress shall not pause."
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Through the manifesto, the CM placed before the people of West Bengal "a full account of our work in the form of Unnayoner Panchali".
'Bengal one of foremost engines of India's growth'
Through the manifesto, the Chief Minister informed, "We have risen to become the sixth largest economy in the country, recording double-digit growth. We have lifted 1.72 crore people out of poverty and restored to them the dignity that is every citizen's birthright. Unemployment has been reduced by 40 per cent, even as we created two crore new employment opportunities across the state."
She went on to highlight the achievements made through the myriad schemes that the state runs for the welfare of its people.
"Over one crore girls have completed their schooling under our award-winning Kanyashree scheme, a feat that has drawn recognition from across the world. Sabooj Sathi has given wings to 1.44 crore students through free bicycles.
Aikyashree, Medhashree and Shikshashree scholarships have made education truly universal, leaving no child behind on account of circumstance. No family in West Bengal today needs to fear the cost of illness. Swasthya Sathi has extended cashless medical care to 2.45 crore families.
We have transformed Bengal from a state plagued by power cuts to a power-surplus state, achieving 100 per cent electrification as early as 2019. Nearly one crore families have received housing and piped water connections. We have built over 1,83,000 kilometre of roads, carrying connectivity to the last habitation.
Governance now reaches your doorstep through Duare Sarkar. Your voice shapes our policies through Amader Para Amader Samadhan and Sorasori Mukhyomantri."
Durga Puja and Christmas in Bengal
The CM said that beyond the bricks and roads, the party has "nourished the soul of Bengal".
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"It is our honour that UNESCO has recognised Durga Puja as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. With devotion and care, we have consecrated the Jagannath Dham in Digha, the Durga Angan in New Town and the Mahakal Temple Complex in Matigara.
Kolkata's Christmas draws visitors from every corner of the world. Eid and Muharram are observed with the same reverence as every other festival in our land," said the Chief Minister while adding, "I promise you that Bengal will continue to lead, and in the next five years, no individual in our state will be left untouched by progress."
10 'Protigya'
The manifesto combines welfare expansion, governance continuity and economic plans, while also referring to the state government’s achievements and its political messaging ahead of the polls. "I humbly present my 10 'Protigya' for Bengal, so that the wheels of development continue to move forward in the fourth term of my government," said the CM.
1. Lakshmir Bhandar expansion
Monthly financial aid for women has been increased, ensuring continued income support for both General and SC/ST beneficiaries.
2. Banglar Yuba-Sathi continuation
Unemployed youth will continue to receive Rs 1,500 per month to support their financial needs while seeking opportunities.
3. Rs 30,000 crore agriculture budget
A large agri-Budget will support farmers, including landless ones, and focus on overall improvement of the agriculture sector.
4. Housing and drinking water for all
Every family will be provided a pucca house, along with access to piped drinking water in every household.
5. Duare Chikitsa healthcare camps
Annual healthcare camps will be organised in every block and town to ensure doorstep medical services.
6. Upgradation of government schools
All government schools will undergo infrastructure improvements under the Banglar Shikshayatan initiative.
7. Bengal as eastern trade gateway
The state will be developed into a major trade hub with improved ports, logistics and a Global Trade Centre.
8. Old age pension expansion
Existing pension schemes will continue, with plans to gradually include all eligible senior citizens.
9. Creation of new districts and ULBs
Seven new districts will be formed, along with expansion of Urban Local Bodies for better governance.
10. Overall development roadmap
These pledges together aim to guide governance and development priorities for the next five years.
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Key goals of the government
Key goals of the government include positioning Bengal as the third largest economy in India within the next 10 years, and build a Rs 40 lakh crore economy within the next 5 years, sustaining double-digit growth and accelerating investments across sectors.
It also includes establishing Bengal as India's Gateway of Trade for Eastern India by developing the Global Trade Centre, expanding deep-sea and river port networks, and creating modern logistics hubs to boost exports and generate high-quality employment.
It also includes strengthening administrative and urban governance by creating seven new districts and developing 25 major towns as model cities under Mission Mahanagar with state-of-the-art urban infrastructure.
Introduce the 7th Pay Commission in the state to rationalise pay structures and ensure fair compensation, improved purchasing power and financial security for government employees.
In the field of social justice and security, the government aims to introduce a Gig Workers Policy and bring all registered gig workers under the Bina Mulya Samajik Suraksha Yojana (BM-SSY) to ensure social security and institutional protection. It also includes ensuring the strengthening and gradual expansion of the Old Age Pension scheme to ensure that all eligible senior citizens lead a life of dignity.
For women empowerment, the government aims to enhance household incomes by increasing financial assistance under Lakshmir Bhandar to Rs 1,700 per month (Rs 20,400 annually) for SC/ST women and Rs 1,500 per month (Rs 18,000 annually) for General category women.
Increase women's labour force participation from 44.7 per cent to 50 per cent in the next 5 years by expanding employment, entrepreneurship opportunities and strengthening the Self-Help-Group (SHG) ecosystem.
For youth capacity building, the state will provide Rs 1,500 per month financial assistance under Banglar Yuba-Sathi scheme to educated unemployed youth aged 21-40 years until they secure employment. Besides, it also aims to generate 10 lakh new employment opportunities through major industrial and infrastructure initiatives across the state.
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For the welfare of Schedules Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes' communities, the state aims to expand educational and livelihood opportunities by strengthening Yogyashree coaching, expanding SC/ST hostels in every block, and ensuring 100 per cent scholarship coverage through fully digitised and time-bound delivery.
Intensify efforts for ST recognition of the Mahato community and Kisan Jatis, while strengthening institutional support through Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies for Social Development & Financial Inclusion (LAMPS) for tribal SHGs and a Taposhili Assistance Cell for protection and grievance redressal.
For housing and neighbourhood welfare, the government will ensure a pucca home for every family in the next 5 years by providing housing support to 30 lakh more families, ensuring that all residents have access to dignified housing.
Key promises for rural areas
Ugradation and upkeep of rural roads.
30 lakh homes under Banglar Bari to ensure 100 per cent housing.
100 days of work under Mahatma-Shree.
Paddy procurement price to be increased to Rs 2,500.
Free irrigation for small and marginal farmers using govt irrigation systems like RLI and tubewells.
Key promises for urban areas
Comprehensive neighbourhood development plan for all localities.
Increase in the number of ULBs through geographical reorganisation.
She booths and Shining teams in Kolkata for improved women’s safety.
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25 major towns to be redeveloped as model cities under Mission Mahanagar.
Improved waste-management and sanitation with the building 9 new fresh waste management plans.
"This manifesto is a renewed promise to listen, to act, and to stand guard over Bengal’s plural ethos while continuing to build a state that is stronger, fairer, and prepared for the future," stated TMC.
