West Bengal announces Rs 50,000 study grant for women

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a new scheme called the Bhagini Nivedita Scheme on Monday. This scheme provides unmarried women pursuing higher education with a monetary grant of Rs 50,000 over three years. The beneficiaries receive Rs 17,000 in each of the first two years and Rs 16,000 in the third year, totaling Rs 50,000 in assistance.

The scheme will commence from January 2027. Additionally, Adhikari revealed plans to fill 14,454 government positions within six to eight months. The State Public Service Commission and the State Police Recruitment Board will handle the examination and recruitment process. Adhikari also mentioned that the State is striving to meet its goal of providing one lakh government jobs.

Various state departments, such as forests, fire services, prisons, home, and hill affairs, will contribute to the recruitment. Adhikari further announced an increase in the monthly remuneration for 'Karmabandhus' from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, effective immediately. The food allowance for SC and ST students residing in government hostels has been raised from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,300 per month.