West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 increase in the monthly honorarium for priests (purohits) and muezzins, just hours before the Election Commission is set to declare assembly election dates for four states and Puducherry.
The announcement, made on Sunday, raises the monthly honorarium to Rs 2,000. Banerjee also confirmed that all fresh applications submitted by priests and muezzins have been approved by the state government.
Taking to X, the Trinamool Congress chief wrote, “I am pleased to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities.” She added that the government remains committed to recognising the role of religious functionaries in society.
The timing of the announcement is significant, as the Election Commission will declare the poll schedule at 4 pm today. Once the schedule is announced, the Model Code of Conduct will come into force, restricting governments from making new policy decisions or financial commitments that could influence voters.
This move marks the first major welfare announcement for religious functionaries in West Bengal ahead of the elections, underscoring the state government’s emphasis on community recognition and support.
