Durga Puja committees across West Bengal will receive a government grant of Rs 1 lakh this year, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday.
Big puja committees urged to opt out
However, the Chief Minister urged large-budget Puja committees that are financially capable of organising the festivities without government assistance to voluntarily opt out of the grant. He said committees that genuinely need the financial support would continue to receive the Rs 1 lakh assistance.
Suvendu cites responsible use of electricity
Adhikari made the announcement after holding a meeting with Durga Puja committees at the Milan Mela grounds. He said he did not want to misuse the powers of the chief minister’s office by providing financial assistance to committees that could manage on their own.
Government assistance criticised over past spending
Adhikary also criticised former CM Mamata Banerjee over the earlier Puja grant system. He said the government assistance had increased from Rs 25,000 when the scheme was introduced to Rs 1.1 lakh in recent years, while questioning whether the expenditure had delivered electoral benefits.
Fire clearance fees waived for committees
Adhikari also announced several other concessions for Puja committees. He said he had held discussions with the state electricity board before meeting the organisers and that talks had also been held with CESC.
According to the CM, Puja committees across the state, including those in Kolkata, will be provided electricity free of cost during the festivities.
Puja committees will also not have to pay any fee for obtaining fire department clearance, he said.
Liquor shops to remain closed on Ashtami in Bengal
The chief minister further announced restrictions on celebrations during the Puja period. DJ music will not be allowed anywhere in the state during the festivities, particularly during immersion processions. He also said no carnival would be held and liquor shops would remain closed on Ashtami, with alcohol also unavailable at bars.
