Along with the increased grant and 80 percent concession on electricity bills, the Puja committees will receive a complete waiver of all state government fees, including fire licence charges, and an exemption from taxes imposed by civic agencies, the Chief Minister announced.Starting with ₹10,000 in 2018, the grant increased to ₹25,000 in 2019. During the Covid period, it was raised to ₹50,000. In 2022 and 2023, the state government provided grants of ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 respectively. Last year, it was increased to ₹85,000. The number of Puja committees receiving grants has also increased in the meantime.Banerjee also announced that this year’s Durga Puja Carnival will be held on 5 October, with immersions scheduled between 2 and 4 October.Taking a dig at the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said, “Why ₹1.10 lakh? Give ₹2.10 lakh. It doesn’t help (in the Assembly elections). First, give the due DAs to the state government employees. Then fill 6 lakh vacant posts in the state government.” He also alleged that in the coming days, the monthly allowance of Imams and Muazzems would be increased by ₹500.
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