Major Announcements for Women and Welfare
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s manifesto for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections during his visit to the state. The manifesto outlines a series of welfare measures aimed at empowering women, farmers, and youth.
One of the key promises includes direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month to beneficiaries under the ‘Lakshmi Bhandar’ scheme, which will be credited directly to women’s bank accounts between the 1st and 5th of every month. Additionally, pregnant women will receive ₹21,000 in financial aid along with six nutrition kits.
Support for Farmers and Government Employees
The BJP has also pledged to enhance financial support for farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme by providing an additional ₹3,000 annually. This would increase the total annual assistance to ₹9,000.
For government employees and salaried individuals, the party has promised to ensure Dearness Allowance (DA) benefits. The manifesto also commits to implementing all major central government schemes, including the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and Ayushman Bharat, within 45 days of coming to power.
Focus on Women’s Empowerment and Safety
The manifesto places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. It promises 33 percent reservation for women in all government jobs, including the police force. The party has also set a target to create 7.5 million “Lakhpati Didis,” referring to women earning over ₹1 lakh annually.
To enhance safety, the BJP plans to establish women’s police stations and dedicated help desks in every administrative block, ensuring quick and effective assistance. The goal is to create an environment where women feel safe at all times.
Infrastructure and Development Plans
The manifesto also outlines a comprehensive development blueprint for the state. Plans include full electrification of the Kolkata Metro to modernize urban transport.
Additionally, the government aims to facilitate land availability for 61 railway projects within one year to accelerate infrastructure growth. A target has also been set to remove all illegal encroachments from government land within 200 days.
Youth-Focused Initiatives and Employment Support
To support young graduates, the manifesto promises a monthly stipend of ₹3,000 to help them start their careers. Candidates preparing for competitive exams will receive a one-time financial aid of ₹15,000.
In a move to address concerns over recruitment irregularities, the BJP has proposed a five-year age relaxation for candidates affected by delays due to exam paper leaks and corruption. The party also assured adequate job opportunities for youth who have been unable to secure employment since 2015.
Public Outreach and Political Campaign
During his visit, Amit Shah is also scheduled to hold a roadshow in Kharagpur to connect with the public. Expressing his enthusiasm, he stated that he is eager to interact with the people of the state and seek their support ahead of the elections.