KolKata, 26 July (H.S.) -

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to hold a crucial coordination meeting with Durga Puja committees on July 31 at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata. The meeting, aimed primarily at organisers from Kolkata and its adjoining areas, is expected to bring good news—there is strong speculation that the state government may raise the Puja grant to ₹1 lakh per committee this year. Last year, the government had provided ₹85,000 per committee, which itself was a rise from ₹70,000 the year before.

According to state government sources, the Chief Minister will not only discuss financial assistance but also emphasize the importance of maintaining communal harmony during the festivities. Committees have reportedly been instructed to include two representatives each from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh communities in the meeting. The move is seen as an effort to present Durga Puja as a festival that transcends religious boundaries and promotes unity.

The meeting also carries political significance in the backdrop of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for next year. Analysts believe Mamata Banerjee may use the platform to announce additional facilities or concessions for Puja organisers. “Last year, the Chief Minister had promised to increase the grant. We are hopeful that the announcement will be made this time. We also expect some relief on electricity bills,” said Soumen Dutta, General Secretary of the popular Kashi Bose Lane Puja Committee.

Senior officials from various departments, including Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Fire and Emergency Services, Health, Transport, and Police, are expected to attend the meeting. As with previous years, the focus will be on ensuring uninterrupted electricity, drinking water supply, health services, and overall security during the Puja days, which will be observed from September 28 to October 2 this year.

However, not all Puja committees are on board with accepting state assistance. The organisers of the Santosh Mitra Square Puja in central Kolkata, led by BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh, have once again declined government aid. “Like every year, we will not accept any financial assistance from the government. Public funds should be directed towards development work, not festivals,” Ghosh stated.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh