West Bengal Cabinet Overhauls Policies with Focus on Women and Anti-Corruption

The West Bengal cabinet has taken a bold step towards reshaping its policy direction by discontinuing religion-based assistance and introducing the 'Annapurna' scheme offering financial aid to women. The initiative is set to replace the former Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, enhancing the monthly support from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000.

Accompanying these changes, the cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has also approved free travel for women on state-run buses and instituted two investigative panels. These panels, led by retired Calcutta High Court judges, will examine allegations of institutional corruption and crimes against women during the previous TMC regime.

Further, the cabinet decided to nullify the existing OBC list following a legal judgment, set up the Seventh State Pay Commission, and revise employee salaries. The newly formed BJP government seeks to tackle entrenched issues of corruption, enhance women's welfare, and reform administrative practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)