CM announces Rs 10,000 grant for all Puja organisers in Bengal

Kolkata: Without naming BJP, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged Durga Puja organisers not to fall into the trap of any rumour that is being spread on purpose by a political party's IT cell. Banerjee also announced a financial support of Rs 10,000 to each Puja organiser in the state.

She also urged the organisers to avoid "any outsider" wanting to fund their Puja with ulterior motives. "I would like to urge the organisers not to succumb to pressure if anyone wants to buy their Puja against a huge amount of money. It will lead to loss of their self-respect," she said.

Banerjee on Monday addressed the state-level coordination meeting ahead of Durga Puja in which senior ministers, officers and representatives of different communities were present. Representatives of Durga Puja organising committees were also present in the meeting, that was held at Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Congratulating the Puja organisers for keeping up the tradition and culture of the state, Banerjee said: "With the support of the people from all communities the festival had passed peacefully, despite Bakri Eid and Durga Puja falling on the same dates for the past few years."

She repeatedly urged the Puja organisers not to lend their ears to any rumours and to contact police in case they find any rumour-monger. "Such problems never existed in the state earlier. Now, there is a political party that has no work other than creating differences among people. Last year, canards were spread through social media as only a day less was given for immersion of the idols. Rumours were also spread over promotion of government officials, which was fake," Banerjee said, alleging that it was all done by the IT cell of the political party (BJP).

Inspiring Durga Puja organisers to make preparations for Bengal's biggest festival with enthusiasm, Banerjee said: "There are 3,000 Durga Pujas in Kolkata, while the number is 25,000 in the remaining parts of the state. Each of the organisers will be getting Rs 10,000. Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the state Fire and Emergency Services department will look into the matter along with Kolkata Police, in the 144 wards of the corporation.

Tourism department, Consumer Affairs department and West Bengal Police will take up the task for the remaining parts of the state. The total expenditure for the project will be Rs 28 crore."

Durga Puja organisers will be getting 20 to 23 percent rebate this year on the bill for consumption of power. At the same time, licence fees to civic bodies and fire department have also been waived.

This year, the immersion will continue from October 19 to 22 and the Red Road Carnival will be held on October 23. 75 Puja organisers will be participating this year, in comparison to 55 in 2017.