The West Bengal cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has decided to discontinue government assistance based on religious categorisation. This move effectively ends the religion-based schemes that were operational during the previous administration led by Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress government.
State OBC List Scrapped
The government has also scrapped the existing state OBC list, aligning with the Calcutta High Court judgment. A new panel will be established to determine future quota eligibility, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Transition Period
Minister Agnimitra Paul announced that schemes administered under religious categorisation by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department will continue until the end of this month. These schemes will be discontinued from June onward.
This decision follows developments linked to the state OBC list dispute, which had been a contentious issue. The move is expected to streamline government assistance and eliminate caste and religion-based divisions in welfare programmes.
The cabinet's decision marks a significant policy shift, prioritising merit and need-based support over religious and caste-based allocations. Further details on the new panel and its mandate are expected in the coming weeks.
