Kolkata: The state will showcase the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ & ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ based on the theme ‘Empowering lives and fostering self-reliance in Bengal’ at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Republic Day.
The Durga idol on lion dressed as a Chaau dancer will be at the front of the tableau as a symbol of women empowerment. In front of the idol, there will be a big pitcher (Kalas in Bengali parlance) - a symbol of Lakshmir Bhandar scheme with the name of the scheme written on it. There will be Chaau dance performance, Baul songs and a showcase of Bishnupur’s rich architecture for portrayal of Bengal’s cultural diversity.
The Ministry of Defence accepted the state’s proposal for tableau this year for the Republic Day parade. Many believe that the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme — a brain child of Banerjee — was the trump card in her clean sweep, particularly in the Lok Sabha elections held in 2024. In 2024, the Centre rejected Bengal’s proposal to highlight the Kanyashree scheme. Under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a beneficiary from general category and SC/ST category receives Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200 per month. It was introduced just four months after the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assumed power after a landslide victory in 2021.
Under the Lokprasar Prakalpa, aimed at making the folk artists economically independent, the state provides a retainer fee of Rs 1,000 per month. The artists who attain 60 years of age will get a monthly pension of Rs 1,000. Around 1.81 lakh artistes have been getting retainer fee or pension from the government.
This year’s parade will feature 16 tableaux from states and union territories and 10 from various ministries and departments, celebrating India’s cultural heritage, technological achievements, and policy initiatives.