West Bengal announces 4% DA hike for state govt employees

The state's budget also revealed an enhancement in financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme.

General category households will now receive ₹1,000, while SC/ST households are set to receive ₹1,200. Additionally, SC/ST women will be entitled to ₹1,200, and others will receive ₹1,000 under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, effective from April 2024.

Furthermore, the government introduced the Samudra Sathi scheme, which allocates ₹5,000 for two months (April-June) to fishermen in Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.

In addition to these announcements, the government unveiled new schemes to support artisans and weavers.

The New Artisans & Weavers (death benefit) scheme will provide a one-time grant of ₹2 lakh to the kin of registered artisans and weavers aged 18-60 in the event of untimely demise.

Another scheme aims to provide one-time settlement, working capital assistance, or subsidised yarn to handloom and khadi weavers.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the opposition in the Assembly, urging them not to disrupt proceedings.

She criticised the behavior, stating that the Assembly is not the BJP's party office.

Banerjee highlighted the contrast between her government's approach and the suspension of numerous opposition members in the parliament.

Following the Budget Session, the Chief Minister invited the opposition for a discussion on the presented budget.

She condemned what she described as "dirty politics" and accused the opposition of being anti-Bangla and working against the interests of the state.

(With inputs from Kamalika Sengupta, News18)