Mamata Banerjee Announces Major Financial Benefits Ahead of Bengal Poll Code
In a significant move just minutes before the model code of conduct (MCC) for the upcoming assembly elections took effect, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced two major financial decisions via social media platform X. The announcements include the disbursal of approximately Rs 10,000 crore in dearness allowance (DA) arrears to around 9 lakh state employees and pensioners, and an increase in the monthly honorarium for Hindu priests (purohits) and Muslim muezzins.
Timing and Details of the Announcements
The first announcement came at 2:40 pm, with Banerjee declaring a hike of Rs 500 in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins, raising their allowance from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per month. This was followed exactly 80 minutes later, at 3:05 pm, by the announcement regarding DA arrears, just as the Election Commission was beginning a press conference to announce poll dates for Bengal, three other states, and one union territory.
"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," Banerjee posted on X. Her subsequent tweet detailed the DA arrears plan, stating that employees would start receiving their ROPA (Revision of Pay and Allowances) 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards, based on finance department notifications.
Background and Legal Context
The DA arrears announcement follows a Supreme Court directive from February 2026, which ordered the Bengal government to pay 25% of the arrears, amounting to Rs 10,000 crore, by March 31. The remaining amount is to be paid according to a modality framed by a committee led by Justice (retired) Indu Malhotra. The beneficiaries include teachers, non-teaching staff in educational institutions, employees of grant-in-aid institutions, and pensioners.
Regarding the clergy hike, it's noted that imams in Bengal already receive a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 from the government. The state is home to around 2.5 lakh priests, with nearly 1.7 lakh registered with the Paschimbanga Rajya Sanatan Brahman Trust.
Election Commission's Response
When questioned by reporters, the Election Commission stated that the announcements did not violate the model code of conduct. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar explained, "With regard to the decisions of certain governments just before the model code of conduct came into force, I have already explained earlier that in a democratic set-up, state and central governments can take any policy decision they feel is appropriate. However, once the model code of conduct comes into operation, any decision which affects the outcome of the elections or acts as an inducement is not allowed. The model code of conduct has come into force just now."
Political Reactions and Implications
The timing of the announcements has sparked varied reactions from political figures. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended the move, saying, "The timing has nothing to do with polls or election dates. The CM had planned this scheme well in advance and made the formal announcement when she deemed it appropriate. It is a well-thought-out decision."
In contrast, Bhaskar Ghosh of Sangrami Joutha Mancha attributed the announcement to "sustained pressure created by the agitating state employees from a non-partisan platform." Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari was more critical, dismissing the DA announcement as a "joke" and a "classic TMC election drama." Addressing the CM on X, he wrote, "Is this your desperate last-minute poll gimmick?"
Support from Community Leaders
Community leaders have welcomed the announcements. Rajib Banerjee, president of the Paschimbanga Rajya Sanatan Brahman Trust, stated, "Many priests are economically vulnerable, and this increase will benefit them significantly." Similarly, All India Imam Association president Moulana Bakibillah Molla praised the move, noting that roughly 60,000 imams and muezzins registered for the state honorarium would find the increase meaningful.
The disbursal of DA arrears is set to begin this month, providing financial relief to a large segment of state employees and pensioners amidst the election season.
