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The newly formed government in West Bengal has announced a series of major decisions aimed at both government employees and women beneficiaries across the state. Led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the state cabinet has approved the formation of the 7th State Pay Commission along with several new welfare initiatives.

The announcements are being seen as one of the government’s biggest policy moves since taking office, especially for lakhs of state employees, pensioners, and women beneficiaries.

7th State Pay Commission Gets Approval

The West Bengal cabinet has officially cleared the formation of the 7th State Pay Commission for:

• State government employees
• Pensioners
• Employees of statutory bodies
• Staff of educational institutions

The move has revived hopes among employees who have long demanded better salary revisions and Dearness Allowance (DA) benefits similar to central government employees.

Government employee unions in the state have repeatedly raised concerns over the widening gap between the benefits received by state employees and those provided under the central pay structure.

DA Issue Continues to Remain Sensitive

At present, West Bengal government employees reportedly receive around 22% Dearness Allowance (DA). Earlier this year, the state government announced a 4% DA increase in the interim budget.

However, employee associations continue demanding:

• DA parity with central government employees
• Faster implementation of revised pay scales
• Better pension benefits

The formation of the 7th Pay Commission is now expected to play a key role in determining future salary revisions and DA structures in the state.

₹3,000 Monthly ‘Annapurna’ Scheme Approved

The cabinet has also approved the new “Annapurna” welfare scheme for women, which will begin from June 1.

Under the scheme:

• Eligible women beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 every month
• The amount will be transferred directly into bank accounts

The initiative is being projected as a replacement for the earlier “Lakshmi Bhandar” scheme introduced under the previous administration.

According to reports, the financial assistance under Annapurna is significantly higher than benefits offered under earlier state welfare programs.

Free Bus Travel for Women from June 1

In another major announcement, the cabinet has approved free travel for women in government buses starting June 1.

The move is expected to provide financial relief to lakhs of women commuters across the state, particularly:

• Students
• Working women
• Daily wage earners
• Rural passengers

The decision may also become one of the government’s most visible public welfare initiatives.

Some Welfare Schemes to Be Discontinued

The government has also indicated that certain welfare schemes based on religious criteria may be discontinued from next month.

This decision is likely to trigger political debate in the coming weeks, especially as the new administration begins reshaping several existing state programs.

Why the Decision Matters

The announcements are significant because they directly affect:

• Lakhs of government employees
• Pensioners
• Women beneficiaries
• Public transport users

The formation of the 7th Pay Commission could eventually lead to:

• Higher salaries
• DA revisions
• Pension increases
• Improved employee benefits

At the same time, the Annapurna scheme and free travel policy may strengthen welfare support for women across the state.

Final Take

West Bengal’s latest cabinet decisions signal a major policy shift under the new government. While employees are now hopeful about salary and DA revisions through the 7th Pay Commission, women beneficiaries are set to receive direct financial support and free public transport benefits starting June 1.

More details regarding implementation timelines, eligibility rules, and revised salary structures are expected to emerge in the coming months.

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