CM Mamata hikes Durga Puja grant to ₹1.10 lakh for all committees

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced that all Durga Puja committees across West Bengal will receive an increased grant of ₹1.10 lakh this year. She made the announcement during the annual Sharad Utsav Coordination Committee meeting at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata. Along with the enhanced financial assistance, puja committees will also get 80% concession on electricity bills and free fire brigade services during the festival.

Banerjee stated that a single-window system for Durga Puja-related permissions and clearances will be operational from August 22 to streamline coordination between puja organizers and various administrative departments. She also confirmed the official immersion dates as October 2, 3, and 4, while the Durga Puja Carnival will be held on October 5. She added that she will begin inaugurating pujas from Mahalaya on September 21.

As per the Chief Minister, around 3,000 puja pandals are expected in Kolkata, and approximately 42,000 pandals will be set up across the districts. Mamata directed the police administration to ensure round-the-clock control room operations, proper security and traffic management, and functioning helpline numbers. She emphasized that women’s safety must be prioritized, and suggested that entry and exit gates be kept separate in crowded pandals to prevent mishaps.

She urged the transport department to increase the number of bus services, and requested the metro authorities to add more trains during the festival period. Mamata also instructed that ambulances be kept ready 24 hours a day and that doctors, police, and fire services remain alert for emergencies. She noted that pujas in districts should receive equal visibility and promotional support, and commented, “Only Firhad, Aroop, Sujit and Debashis’s pujas get mileage, all pujas should get equal opportunity.”

On cultural matters, Mamata said, “Joy Bangla must be spoken because it is the language of the inner soul.” She also said that people returning to Bengal from other states should be provided new clothes. Referring to the spiritual importance of the festival, she said, “The blessings of interfaith harmony are needed for the successful completion of any puja.”