Bengal approves ₹3,000 monthly aid scheme for women, scraps state OBC list

Government also approved constitution of the 7th state pay commission for its employees, and staffers in allied statutory civic bodies, education boards, and those working in state-run institutions

The West Bengal cabinet on Monday approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of ₹3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1, and allowed free travel for them in government-run buses.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, state minister Agnimitra Paul said women, who applied for citizenship under the CAA and approached tribunals for inclusion in voter rolls, will also receive 'Annapurna' scheme benefits.

"The cabinet gave a nod to the 'Annapurna' scheme of ₹3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1. It also approved a proposal to allow free travel for women in government-run buses from June 1," the minister said.

 

The government also approved the constitution of the 7th state pay commission for its employees, and staffers in allied statutory civic bodies, education boards, and those working in state-run education institutions, she said.

"The Bengal cabinet decided to discontinue government assistance to groups based on religious categorisation from June. The government also scraped the existing state OBC list as per the Calcutta High Court judgment and will set up an inquiry panel to decide quota eligibility," Paul added.