West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins in the state.
The move came hours ahead of the announcement of the schedule for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026. In an official press release, the poll body had said that it will hold a press conference regarding the announcements for the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Pudducherry. After CM Mamata's announcement, the purohits and muezzins will get a monthly honorarium of Rs 2,500.
Taking to X, CM Mamata made the announcement, saying, "I am pleased to announce an increase of ₹500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive ₹2,000 per month."
Moreover, CM Mamata also granted approval to all pending fresh applications. She added, "At the same time, all fresh applications that have been duly submitted by purohits and muezzins have also been approved by the State Government."
"We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened. Our endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of our rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve," CM Mamata said.
Employees to get ROPA 2009 DA from March
In another major announcement, CM Mamata also extended relief to the government employees, saying that they will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards.
The announcement will benefit employees and pensioners, including teachers, non-teaching staff and staff in panchayat, municipal bodies and other local bodies, among others.
CM Mamata said, "They will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards as per the modalities detailed out in the Notifications issued by our Finance Department."