Kolkata, 17 September (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday criticised the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government, saying that the present government had not come to merely distribute allowances but to undertake reforms.

Speaking briefly at an Annapurna Day programme at the Boi Mela Prangan in Bidhannagar, Adhikari spoke on women's empowerment, prevention of child marriage, efforts to make West Bengal free of drugs, women's financial assistance and their safety. He did not name former chief minister Mamata Banerjee during his speech.

“We have come to build a drug-free West Bengal. Everyone will have to come forward. We have also come to stop child marriage and childbirth at an early age. This government has not come merely to provide allowances; it has come to bring reforms,” Adhikari said.

On women's safety, the chief minister said a commission had been constituted to look into allegations of atrocities against women and girls. He said the government would take action in such cases.

Adhikari also announced the release of the fourth instalment of the Annapurna scheme. According to him, around 1.58 crore women were receiving Rs 3,000 each, with payments to other eligible applicants also being processed.

He further said that more than 50 lakh houses were being planned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and that ownership of the houses would be registered in the names of women.

The chief minister also referred to measures concerning women and girls, including an increase in the remuneration of Anganwadi workers, financial assistance for girls and steps to prevent child marriage. He said no girl below the age of 18 would be allowed to be married.

Adhikari said girls continuing their education after higher secondary would also receive financial assistance at the undergraduate level.

The chief minister reiterated that the government would take action in cases of violence against women and urged people to cooperate with efforts aimed at women's safety and empowerment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey