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Mamata Hikes Purohit & Muezzin Pay Ahead of Bengal Poll Notification

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 increase in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins, bringing their total to Rs 2,000. The announcement was strategically made just hours before the Election Commission issued the formal poll notification for West Bengal. This timing ensures the move does not violate the Model Code of Conduct, which bars new welfare announcements after the notification. The state government also approved all pending applications from the religious functionaries.

Key Points: Mamata Raises Honorarium for Purohits, Muezzins Before Polls

  • Rs 500 monthly hike announced
  • Timing ahead of poll notification
  • Honorarium now Rs 2,000 per month
  • Avoids Model Code of Conduct violation
2 min read

Trinamool govt raises honorarium for purohits and muezzins ahead of poll date announcement for West Bengal

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces a Rs 500 hike in monthly honorariums for purohits and muezzins, timing it just before the poll code of conduct begins.

"We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, March 15

Nearly hours before the formal issuance of Assembly polls notification for West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Sunday, announced a hike in monthly honorariums for purohits and muezzins.

In a social media post on X, Chief Minister Banerjee made the announcement to increase the monthly honorariums by Rs 500.

"I am pleased to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive Rs 2,000 per month," she said.

The Chief Minister also told, "At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the state government."

According to Chief Minister Banerjee, the West Bengal government is committed to ensure they receive recognition and support from the administration.

"We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened. Our endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of our rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve," she said.

Over the years, the Mamata Banerjee-led state government on regular intervals increased the monthly honorariums for purohits and muezzins.

The latest hike came nearly hours prior to the Election Commission announced the poll notification for West Bengal and other three states.

As Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect as soon as the poll notification is issued, governments in poll-bound states is barred from making any fresh announcement for the welfare of the people.

However, by making the announcement before the poll notification is issued, the state government has ensured that it does not fall into MCC violation.

The Election Commission officials announced the poll notification for West Bengal and other states at the press conference in Delhi at 4 p.m.

Once the notification is issued, MCC comes into effect at once.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's a positive step for social harmony. In a diverse state like Bengal, recognizing both Hindu purohits and Muslim muezzins shows inclusivity. The amount may seem small, but for many, it's a sign of respect and a helpful supplement. 🙏
A
Aman W
Why only before elections? This is pure votebank politics. They've had 5 years. If they were truly committed, this hike would have come last year. Now it just looks like a last-minute attempt to please specific communities before the code of conduct starts.
P
Priyanka N
As a Bengali, I appreciate the gesture. These community figures often rely on donations. A steady, if small, honorarium from the govt provides some financial security. The timing is questionable, but the support itself is welcome.
D
David E
Interesting to see this from an Indian political perspective. It seems like a strategic move that walks right up to the line of election rules. The support for religious figures is a powerful symbolic gesture in any culture.
V
Varun X
Smart legal move to announce it just before 4 PM. They know the game. The intent might be political, but let's not forget the recipients. For an old purohit in a village, an extra ₹500 can help with medicines or groceries. So, net positive.

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