W Bengal: CM Suvendu Adhikari Promises Rs 5 Fish-and-Rice Meals; What Announcement He Made for Women?
W Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has announced several welfare proposals in West Bengal on Tuesday, including fish-and-rice meals at subsidized rates and financial assistance for women.
Speaking at a public event, Adhikari stated that forms for the proposed "Annapurna Scheme" would begin to be distributed starting May 27. Under this scheme, women will receive financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month. He further added that all Indian citizens would be eligible to apply for these benefits.
A major announcement was that fish-and-rice meals would be made available for just Rs 5—twice a week—at approximately 400 special canteens across the state. In West Bengal, fish is not merely a popular dietary staple but also a significant part of the state's culture and traditions. For this reason, this announcement is being viewed as politically important as well.
Adhikari also stated that liquor shops would not be permitted to open within a one-kilometer radius of schools, colleges, and religious sites.
He further announced that the AYUSH Department would be separated from the Health Department and established as an independent entity.
Fish has often played a symbolic role in Bengal's politics, and during recent election campaigns, it was extensively utilized to forge an emotional connection with voters across the state.
Large-scale tree-plantation drive in the state
Suvendu Adhikari also announced a large-scale tree-plantation drive in the state.
He stated, "The Government of India has announced the organization of a national program from June 5 to June 21. The West Bengal government will also participate in this initiative."
He said, "On June 5, tree-plantation programs will be organized in every block and municipality across the state, under which trees will be planted in the name of mothers. All MLAs will be provided with fruit-bearing saplings by the Department of Forests and Environment."