The West Bengal Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the formation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees, staff of government boards and corporations, state-aided bodies, and educational institutions. The state government took several decisions today during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat, Nabanna. Briefing the media after the meeting, Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister, Agnimitra Paul said, the West Bengal government also approved the discontinuation of several Direct Benefit Transfer schemes under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and the Minority and Madrasah Department from 1st of June. However, scholarship schemes under these departments will continue. The Cabinet further approved free transport facilities for women across the state. Under the new Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, to be launched from 1st of next month, eligible women will receive three thousand rupees through Direct Benefit Transfer. Applicants for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act and those who have approached various tribunals will also be eligible to apply for the scheme. A dedicated portal will be launched for enrollment under the scheme.
The state government also announced that a fresh OBC list for West Bengal will be prepared following the recent Calcutta High Court judgment.
