Kolkata, March 15 – Almost hours before the formal issuance of the notification for the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Sunday an increase in the monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Banerjee announced an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums.
"I am pleased to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our priests 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 stated, "At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by priests and muezzins have also been approved by the state government."
According to Chief Minister Banerjee, the West Bengal government is committed to ensuring that 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 has regularly increased the monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins.
The latest hike came almost hours before the Election Commission announced the poll notification for West Bengal and other three states.
As soon as the poll notification is issued, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect, barring governments in poll-bound states from making any fresh announcements 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 a press conference in Delhi at 4 p.m.
Once the notification is issued, MCC comes into effect immediately.