West Bengal CM Hikes Purohit, Muezzin Honorarium to Rs 2,000

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Sunday a Rs 500 increase in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins, raising the payment to Rs 2,000 per person, just hours before the Election Commission of India was set to reveal the schedule for the state's upcoming assembly elections.

In a post on the social media platform X, Banerjee highlighted the role of these religious figures in community life. "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 2,000 per month," she wrote. She added that the state government has approved all pending applications from eligible individuals seeking inclusion in the scheme. "At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the State Government," Banerjee stated.

The move underscores the government's efforts to support religious and cultural practitioners across communities. "We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and...