Kolkata, March 20: The Election Commission has requested a report from the West Bengal government regarding a bonus for citizen volunteers. This request follows the government’s announcement of an ad-hoc bonus for volunteers working under both the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, as well as for village police volunteers, for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The announcement was made through a notification issued from the state secretariat, Nabanna. Administrative sources indicate that this pre-election announcement is significant, as citizen volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining law and order across the state and take on additional responsibilities during elections. The provision of these financial benefits is viewed as recognition of their service.
Political reactions have emerged in response to this announcement. A faction of the opposition has alleged that such measures are intended to placate citizen volunteers ahead of the elections. However, the administration has clarified that this step is part of a regular process and follows recommendations from the finance department.
The opposition has also claimed that this announcement was made after the notification for the assembly elections, thus violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). In light of these developments, the Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the state government.
According to the state government’s notification, citizen volunteers serving under the state police and Kolkata Police, as well as village police volunteers, will receive this bonus during the current fiscal year. The ad-hoc bonus has been increased by a one-time payment of ₹600. On February 27, the state government announced an increase in the ad-hoc bonus for its employees; this benefit has now been extended to citizen volunteers and village police volunteers.
With this announcement, citizen volunteers and village police volunteers will now receive ₹7,400, up from the previous amount of ₹6,800. Notably, on February 27, the state finance department issued a notification stating that government employees not covered under the ‘productivity-based bonus scheme’ and whose revised monthly salary does not exceed ₹46,000 by March 31, 2026, would receive a bonus of ₹7,400 each.
Subject to certain conditions, contract employees and those who have completed six months of service are also eligible for this bonus. Payments will be made according to the West Bengal Service (Revision of Pay and Allowances) Rules, 2019, which do not include allowances such as house rent, medical allowance, and subsidies. It is also noteworthy that just hours before the formal notification of the assembly elections was issued on March 15, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced an increase in the monthly honorarium for priests and muazzins.
In a social media post, Banerjee announced a ₹500 increase in the monthly honorarium, bringing it to ₹2,000.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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