Kolkata, 13 May (H.S.) : The West Bengal government has announced a significant increase in social security pension benefits, doubling the monthly assistance for old-age, widow, and disability pension holders from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

The revised pension rates will come into effect from June, with beneficiaries set to receive the enhanced amount directly in their bank accounts from the following month, according to official sources.

The decision has been taken by the Department of Women, Child and Social Welfare, headed by Minister Agnimitra Paul. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening the state’s social welfare framework and expanding financial support for vulnerable sections of society.

The announcement comes in the wake of the recently launched “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme and is being viewed as part of a broader expansion of welfare initiatives by the state government.

The previous administration led by Mamata Banerjee had implemented the “Lakshmir Bhandar” scheme, under which financial assistance was provided to women and later enhanced ahead of elections. However, questions had been raised regarding the continuation of benefits for women above 60 years of age under the old-age pension category.

The government has now clarified that all eligible beneficiaries under old-age, widow, and disability pension schemes will receive ₹2,000 per month uniformly.

During the election campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party had argued that the earlier pension amount was insufficient in the face of rising living costs and had promised an increase in assistance upon coming to power.

In a separate development, the state administration has also issued strict directives for enforcement of helmet rules for two-wheeler riders across West Bengal.

The Additional Director General (Law and Order) has instructed all District Superintendents of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Railway Police authorities to conduct special enforcement drives to ensure mandatory helmet usage.

Traffic departments and local police stations have been directed to carry out joint operations, while senior traffic officials will monitor compliance through regular reports.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh