Kolkata, 2 August (H.S.) — The West Bengal government’s decision to significantly increase its annual financial grant to Durga Puja committees has stirred controversy, particularly as thousands of state government employees continue to await payment of their pending dearness allowance (DA) arrears. The matter is now likely to be raised before the Supreme Court in the upcoming contempt hearing scheduled for August 4.
The contempt petition was filed by both serving and retired state government employees, alleging that the Mamata Banerjee-led administration has failed to comply with court orders to clear 25 percent of pending DA dues. Petitioners have accused the government of financial negligence and misprioritisation.
The Joint Platform of State Government Employees — a key umbrella body representing various employee unions — stated that the government cited financial constraints in court as the reason for its inability to clear DA arrears. Yet, it has now increased the Durga Puja grant from ₹85,000 per club last year to ₹1.10 lakh this year.
“This contradiction will be a key point in our legal arguments before the Supreme Court,” a spokesperson for the Joint Platform said, adding that their legal team is preparing to present this as evidence of the government's inconsistent fiscal claims.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly announced the increase in Puja grants during an event, prompting sharp political reactions. Analysts suggest that the move could be aimed at consolidating support ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
BJP IT Cell head and central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, also criticized the decision, calling it “shameful”. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Malviya wrote, “Shameful! West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has increased the Durga Puja grant from ₹85,000 to ₹1.10 lakh per club. Nearly 45,000 Puja clubs are set to receive a total of ₹400 crore. Meanwhile, the government claims in the Supreme Court that it cannot afford to pay DA arrears.”
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
