Durga Puja Committees can publish ads without paying taxes, says CM

Ahead of the season of festivity, it is a season of freebies for the Durga puja committees, said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

 The Chief Minister has announced that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) cannot charge Durga puja committees for publishing ads and asked Kolkata Police to speak to KMC to reduce the overhead charges.  “I have decided that this year, Durga puja committees can publish ads without paying any tax to the KMC. Till last year, CESC  the sole electricity distribution <g data-gr-id="21">company,</g> used to offer 10% concession on electricity bills to Durga puja committees. But, this year, they will offer 15% concession on electricity bills. I am also going to urge them not to charge service tax on the same electricity bill,” Banerjee, said at the Investiture Ceremony of Kolkata Police held on Friday, where police officers were awarded medals for their meritorious service at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.   

Further, she even announced funds for the committees. “I have asked big-budget Durga puja committees to give <g data-gr-id="19">atleast</g> Rs 5,000 to small-budget Durga puja committees. Besides the money, they should help the small-budget Durga puja committees in different ways since this is our biggest festival. The state government will give away Rs10,000 to an all-women Durga puja committees to encourage their efforts,” added Banerjee.  The decision by CM has been welcomed by all. “Ever since she has come to power, she has done so much for the Durga puja committees. Previous governments never bothered to help us. We are obliged by her efforts,” said Sheela Das, Secretary, Elgin Club, Durga puja committee.