West Bengal finances 'poor', full recovery may take a year: CM Adhikari
CM Adhikari says West Bengal's finances are strained and recovery will take at least a year; announces allowance hikes and university reforms.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday described West Bengal's financial condition as "very poor," attributing the state's fiscal strain to the financial planning of previous governments. He stated that a full recovery from the current situation would take at least one more year.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Adhikari said the state had nearly gone "bankrupt" due to what he termed as poor financial discipline and large-scale theft of state funds by former authorities. He added that the state is still under pressure from this condition and will need time to bounce back.
To address the situation, the Chief Minister said the state has enrolled in all national central schemes, which will help secure funds from the Indian government.
Allowance Increases
Mr. Adhikari announced a series of allowance hikes effective November 1. Over 41,000 para-teachers and more than 2,200 Siksha Bandhu (Education Helpers) will receive an additional ₹5,000 per month. Forest officials will also get a ₹5,000 monthly increase, while forest volunteers will see a ₹2,000 hike, benefiting around 1,500 volunteers.
In a separate move, the medical allowance for former MLAs will rise from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per month, effective August 1. MLAs running Netaji Seva Kendras (public service centres) will receive ₹30,000 monthly to operate these facilities.
The Chief Minister noted that these groups may have been left out during the budget and have now been given special consideration by the cabinet. He added that these measures will cost the state an extra ₹390 crore annually and benefit over one lakh people.
University and College Reforms
Mr. Adhikari also announced plans to introduce a bill in the state assembly during a special session on September 10. The proposed "West Bengal Universities and Colleges Administration and Regulation Bill" would allow teaching and non-teaching staff in state colleges and universities to apply for inter-university transfers.
Additionally, the Chief Minister said Aliah University in Kolkata has been moved from the Minority Affairs Department to the Higher Education Department. He stated that the state will follow a "One State, One Education" policy, asserting that there will be no discrimination based on religion and that students will be judged solely on merit.