Free Transport for Women Approved by West Bengal Government

The Government of West Bengal Cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the formation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees, staff of government boards and corporations, state-aided institutions, and educational bodies.

The decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna in Howrah.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Agnimitra Paul said the Cabinet had also approved the discontinuation of several Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and the Minority and Madrasah Department from June 1.

However, she clarified that scholarship schemes under these departments would continue.

The Cabinet also approved free transport facilities for women across the state, marking another major welfare initiative of the new government.

Under the newly announced Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, scheduled to be launched from next month, eligible women beneficiaries will receive Rs 3,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Officials said applicants seeking citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), as well as those who have approached various tribunals, would also be eligible to apply under the scheme.

A dedicated online portal will be launched for enrolment and application processing.

The Cabinet further announced that a fresh Other Backward Classes (OBC) list for West Bengal would be prepared following a recent judgment of the Calcutta High Court.

The decisions are being viewed as significant administrative and welfare measures undertaken by the newly formed state government.