Bengal BJP Govt Announces 7th Pay Commission; Unveils Annapurna Bhandar eligibility, Clears Free Bus Travel for Women

In the second cabinet meeting since the formation of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari chaired a high-level discussion focusing on governance reforms, women’s welfare, salary restructuring for government employees, and the review of reservation policies.

The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by five state ministers along with Chief Secretary Manojkumar Agarwal. Senior ministers present included Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Ashok Kirtania, and Khudiram Tudu.

Key Decisions Taken in the Cabinet Meeting

Focus on DA, Pay Commission and Governance Reforms
One of the most closely watched issues in the meeting was Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees. Under the previous administration, the DA issue had led to prolonged legal disputes between employee unions and the state government.

The cabinet has now decided to constitute the Seventh State Pay Commission to revise the salary structure of government employees. Though no formal announcement regarding DA arrears has yet been made, the decision is being viewed as a major step toward addressing long-pending employee demands.

‘Annapurna Bhandar’ Gets Cabinet Nod

The cabinet granted in-principle approval to the social welfare scheme Annapurna Bhandar, which will be implemented under the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare.

Minister Agnimitra Paul stated that beneficiaries currently receiving benefits under the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, a brainchild of the previous Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, will automatically be transferred to the ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ project. Financial assistance will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

She also confirmed that new applicants will be able to apply once the online portal is launched. Applicants who have filed for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) benefits or tribunal-related applications will also be eligible for the scheme.

Free Bus Travel for Women from June 1

The cabinet also approved a policy for free travel for women on all state-run buses starting June 1.

According to the government, the current state transport infrastructure will initially be used to implement the scheme. Agnimitra Paul added that no immediate decision has been taken to increase the number of buses, although the Chief Minister has indicated that the government plans to procure new electric buses in the future. More details are expected during the state budget session in June.

Religious Classification-Based Schemes to Be Discontinued

In another significant move, the government announced that certain assistance schemes provided on the basis of religious classification under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department will be discontinued from next month.

A detailed government notification on the matter is expected soon.

OBC Reservation Structure Under Review

The cabinet also decided to review the percentage of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in state government jobs and public posts. The state’s OBC list will be reassessed, and the sub-categorisation structure may be scrapped.

Minister Agnimitra Paul said that a fresh inquiry would be conducted in accordance with directives issued by the Calcutta High Court. The state government will decide which groups should remain included in the revised list after the review process.

Women’s Safety and Corruption Allegations Discussed

Before the meeting, Chief Minister Adhikari had indicated that the cabinet would also discuss allegations related to crimes against women, including the RG Kar case, as well as institutional corruption allegations in the state.
The decisions taken in the second cabinet meeting are being viewed as an attempt by the newly formed BJP government to signal administrative restructuring, welfare expansion, and policy changes early in its tenure.

Last week, after the first cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Adhikari had declared that the new BJP government would follow the “double-engine development model” adopted in other BJP-ruled states. He had also pledged commitment to the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and governance “for the people, by the people, and of the people.”