Suvendu govt ends scheme offering stipend to imam, muezzin, purohit in Bengal
The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue financial assistance schemes for imams, muezzins, and purohits, effective June 2026. This decision aligns with the government's move to eliminate schemes based on religious categorization. Additionally, the cabinet approved the 'Annapurna' scheme to provide monthly support to women and announced the formation of the Seventh State Pay Commission for government employees' salary revisions.
- ▪The cabinet has approved the discontinuation of schemes based on religious categorization.
- ▪Imams, muezzins, and purohits previously received monthly stipends of ₹3,000 and ₹2,000 respectively.
- ▪The new 'Annapurna' scheme will offer ₹3,000 monthly assistance to women starting June 1.
2 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 5 hours. All of the coverage we found sits in one bucket: centre. That one-sidedness is itself worth noticing.
- ▪ Not govt’s job to give out doles to imams, purohits, says Bengal CM — Times of India — Top
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Suvendu govt ends scheme offering stipend to imam, muezzin, purohit in BengalThe cabinet has approved the discontinuation of schemes based on religious categorization.Updated on: May 18, 2026 9:52 PM ISTEdited by Priyanjali NarayanShare viaCopy link The West Bengal cabinet on Monday decided that assistance-oriented schemes currently in place based on religious categorisation for imams, muezzins and purohits would be discontinued from June this year.West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, centre, addresses a press conference, in Howrah. (HT_PRINT)"The cabinet has approved the discontinuation of schemes based on religious categorization.
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