W Bengal Cabinet Decisions: Honorarium paid to Imams, Muezzins, and priests will end; 5-year increase in upper age limit for state govt jobs
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has announced, during a cabinet meeting, that the honorarium paid to Imams, Muezzins, and priests, will be discontinued effective June 1. Additionally, it has announced a monthly stipend of Rs 3,000 for women under the Annapurna Scheme, as well as the introduction of free bus travel.
The Cabinet also approved free travel for women on government buses, effective June 1. However, there are currently no plans to increase the number of buses.
The government led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had increased the honorarium received by Imams, Muezzins, and priests by Rs 500 in March—just hours before the announcement of the Assembly elections.
Following this, Imams of registered mosques in the state were receiving a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000, while Muezzins and priests were receiving Rs 2,000. However, the government has clarified that no scholarship schemes for students will be discontinued.
Cases of corruption and atrocities against women will be probed
CM said the cases of corruption and atrocities against women that occurred under the Mamata government would be investigated. Two commissions will be constituted for this purpose. They will be headed by retired judges of the Calcutta High Court.
5-year increase in maximum age limit for state govt jobs
The Bengal government has announced a five-year increase in the maximum age limit for state government jobs. Other significant decisions were also taken, such as the constitution of the 7th Pay Commission and amendments to the OBC list.
Approval of the 7th Pay Commission
The State Government approved the constitution of the 7th State Pay Commission for the revision of employees' salaries. This will benefit government employees, as well as the staff of municipal bodies, education boards, and government educational institutions. A notification regarding the constitution of the Commission and its effective date will be issued later.