Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, announced 10 major commitments while launching the manifesto of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) party in preparation for the April assembly elections. The promises emphasize financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, universal housing, healthcare services at home, support for farmers, access to safe drinking water, enhanced school education, and the establishment of seven new districts, among other initiatives.
Banerjee stated that the ten-point plan would act as a guide for her administration in the coming five years.
Financial assistance for women and young people will persist
A key feature of the manifesto is the ongoing financial support for women through the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The TMC has pledged to maintain the monthly payments if re-elected, with an additional increase of ₹500.
Banerjee stated that under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, women will receive a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500 for General category beneficiaries, totaling ₹18,000 annually, and ₹1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries, amounting to ₹20,400 annually, following a ₹500 increase. She also mentioned that the Banglar Yuba-Sathi program will persist, offering ₹1,500 per month to unemployed youth.
The party also committed to a ₹30,000 crore agricultural budget aimed at aiding farm families, supporting landless farmers, and modernizing the sector. Another significant declaration in the TMC manifesto is the introduction of a healthcare service called 'Duare Chikitsa,' which promises doorstep delivery of medical services. Under this initiative, the state government plans to hold health camps in every block and town annually.
Banerjee stated that healthcare services will be accessible to every household's doorstep. With Duare Chikitsa camps set up in each block and town, individuals will receive quality healthcare conveniently, She also mentioned that every government school would receive extensive infrastructure improvements as part of the Banglar Shikshayatan initiative.
Banerjee also criticized the BJP, accusing it of meddling in administrative matters and expressing worries about governance during the election period. She claimed that individuals from border regions were trying to smuggle money and weapons into the state to incite chaos and riots, cautioning that these actions could lead to the implementation of 'indirect President’s Rule.'Banerjee called on the public to stay united and alert, urging them to oppose any efforts to disrupt peace and democracy in the state.
I urge the people of Bengal to remain united and vigilant. Do not succumb to fear or be swayed by bribes and temptations. External forces are attempting to introduce money, weapons, and chaos to provoke disturbances. Their goal is to destabilize Bengal and establish indirect control through President's Rule. We have fulfilled our development promises. Now, it is your responsibility to safeguard Bengal's unity and ensure that a government accountable to the people remains in power," she stated.