Kolkata, 17 September (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari strongly criticized the policies of the previous government during the 'Annapurna Diwas' event held at the Bidhannagar Book Fair Ground on Thursday. He clearly stated that the current government intends to bring major reforms to the state, rather than just distributing allowances. In his brief speech, the Chief Minister did not mention former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by name even once, but his target was clearly her.

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to women's safety, preventing child marriage, and making Bengal drug-free. He said, We will build a drug-free West Bengal; everyone has to come forward for this. Along with this, we also have to completely eradicate the problem of child marriage and early motherhood.

Sharing the government's strict stance on women's safety in the state, he said, The very first thing we have done in the last four months is to set up a special commission to investigate atrocities against women. If any atrocity is committed against any woman, we will not spare the culprits at any cost, this is our promise.

During the event, the Chief Minister also made a major announcement regarding the release of the fourth installment of the 'Annapurna Yojana'. He informed that the scheme's funds have already been transferred to the bank accounts of more than 1.5 crore women in the state, and the remaining eligible women will receive the money in their accounts by tonight. Under this scheme, women are being given Rs 3,000 every month.

Mentioning the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana', the Chief Minister made another important announcement. He stated that a list has been prepared to construct more than 50 lakh new houses in Bengal. The most significant aspect is that the ownership of all these houses will be given exclusively to the women of the household, and all property documents will be registered in their names.

Giving details about other important steps taken for the women and daughters of the state, Suvendu Adhikari shared that the salary of Anganwadi workers has been increased by Rs 5,000. Additionally, on the occasion of 'Kanya Ratna Diwas' on August 14, Rs 1,000 was transferred into the accounts of daughters, an amount that will be increased to Rs 2,000 from next year.

Showing a strict approach towards child marriage, he declared that no girl will be allowed to be married before the age of 18. To promote higher education among girls, the Chief Minister announced that the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 over three years to daughters to complete their college studies (graduation) after the 12th standard.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh