The West Bengal government has declared a hike in 'Lakshmir Bhandar' payouts in the last state budget before the assembly elections this year.
Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya announced the increase in the Assembly during her 'Vote on Accounts' address. Following the hike, women beneficiaries under the General Category will receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will receive Rs. 1,700 per month.
DA hiked, 'Jubo Sathi' scheme announced
Chandrima Bhattacharya also announced a 4 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance for state government employees. As a result, the gap in DA between central and state government staff will narrow to 36 per cent.
The state government also announced support for unemployed youth. Under the 'Banglar Jubo Sathi' scheme, people aged between 21 and 40 who have passed the Madhyamik exam will receive Rs. 1,500 a month. The payment will continue until they get a job or for five years, whichever comes first.
Wages of frontline workers were raised as well. ASHA and Anganwadi workers will get an extra Rs. 1,000 per month. After the hike, Anganwadi workers will earn Rs. 5,500 every month.
The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme continues to be a major pillar of welfare. So far, 2,20,25,342 women have benefited from it. This includes 29,45,972 women from Scheduled Caste communities and 4,78,427 from Scheduled Tribe groups, according to The Indian Express.
'Lakshmir Bhandar' allowance continues to rise
Ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had promised a monthly allowance of Rs. 500 for women. After returning to power for a third term, her government launched Lakshmir Bhandar in September 2021. At the start, SC and ST women received Rs. 1,000, while others got Rs. 500.
Also Read | State budget brings relief for ASHA, ICDS workers with allowance hike
Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the amount was raised to Rs. 1,200 for SC and ST women and Rs. 1,000 for others. With the latest increase of Rs. 500, SC and ST women will now get Rs. 1,700 per month. Other beneficiaries will receive Rs. 1,500.
The announcements come as West Bengal heads towards Assembly elections, which are expected in the next few months after the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is completed.
