With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday (March 20) announced the Trinamool Congress (TMC) manifesto. The announcement outlines a roadmap for governance over the next five years, focusing on welfare schemes, infrastructure and economic growth.

"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," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

Focus on welfare schemes

A key highlight of the manifesto is the expansion of existing welfare initiatives. Under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, financial assistance for women will be increased.

Also Read | 'Direct assault on the Constitution': Mamata Banerjee attacks ECI over West Bengal officer transfers

"Under Lakshmir Bhandar, with an increase of ₹500, women will continue to receive monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 for General category beneficiaries (₹18,000 annually) and ₹1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries (₹20,400 annually)," stated the CM.

The government also plans to continue Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme, offering monthly support to unemployed youth.

"I will continue Banglar Yuba-Sathi, extending financial support of ₹1,500 per month (₹18,000 annually) to unemployed youth."

Support for senior citizens has also been included.

"I will strive to ensure uninterrupted Old Age Pension support for all existing beneficiaries, while gradually extending the safety net to all eligible senior citizens," stated the Chief Minister.

Push for agriculture and housing

The manifesto proposes a Rs 30,000 crore agriculture Budget aimed at strengthening the sector and supporting farmers.

"I also commit to instituting a ₹30,000 crore Agri-Budget to ensure continued assistance to farm families, provide support to landless farmers, and enable holistic upgradation of the agricultural sector."

Also Read | ECI to send 15 Bengal IPS officers as observers for polls in other states; who’s on the list?

Housing and basic services form another pillar of the plan. "I promise that every family in Bengal will have a pucca house, and every household will have access to piped drinking water."

The TMC has also outlined steps to improve healthcare delivery and education infrastructure across the state.

"Additionally, my Government will organise annual Duare Chikitsa camps in every block and town to ensure effective doorstep delivery of healthcare," The CM stated.

“I will ensure the holistic infrastructural upgradation of all Government schools under Banglar Shikshayatan.”

Economic and administrative expansion

The manifesto includes plans to position West Bengal as a key trade hub in eastern India.

"I will work to make Bengal the gateway of trade for Eastern India, with world-class logistics, ports, trade infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art Global Trade Centre," the CM informed.

Administrative restructuring is also part of the proposal. "I also promise to establish seven new districts and expand the number of Urban Local Bodies through a comprehensive geographical reorganisation.

Also Read | Humayun Kabir's Janata Unnayan Party announces candidates for 12 seats, alliance talks with AIMIM on

These 10 'Protigya' will form the foundation of my governance and serve as the roadmap for the next five years," the Chief Minister asserted.

The TMC described the manifesto as a people-focused plan aimed at development and governance continuity. West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.