Durga Puja in Kolkata: To ease the financial burden in preparation for Durga Puja festival, the West Bengal government has announced early payment of September salaries to all government employees. Keeping in mind the upcoming festivals, the Mamata Banerjee government will pay the September salaries to state employees before the Durga Puja holidays starting from September 26, an official said on Wednesday (September 17) . The payments will be made on September 24 and 25, ahead of the festival holidays starting from September 26.
The state’s finance department issued a circular on Tuesday (September 16) stating that employees will receive their September salaries on September 24 and 25. This will include not only regular salaries but also grants, wages, remuneration, scholarships , and honorariums .
However, this month’s pension amount will be credited to the accounts on October 1, it said .” The decision has been taken to provide financial relief to the employees ahead of Bengal’s biggest festival, ” the official told PTI .
The state government has also announced that Direct Benefit Transfer ( DBT ) under ‘ Lakshmi Bhandaar ‘ and other welfare schemes will be credited into the bank accounts of beneficiaries on October 1. Durga Puja will be celebrated from September 28 to October 2 this year.
Durga Puja is West Bengal’s most celebrated festival, with preparations beginning weeks in advance. This early salary payment move is expected to help millions of state government employees comfortably meet their festive expenses .
With the festival just days away, this proactive move by Bengal is being seen as a practical measure that is in line with Bengal’s cultural preferences and the economic realities of its government employees.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in the national capital to ensure uninterrupted celebrations. Delhi’s power distribution companies ( DISCOMs) have launched immediate or temporary power connection services for organizers of Durga Puja and Ramlila events .
This initiative will guarantee 24-hour power supply at the festival venues, ensuring a smooth and safe environment for the organisers . According to PTI , a BSES spokesperson said , ” Consumers can now get temporary connections within 24 hours of completing the necessary formalities. This initiative not only adds to the festive spirit but also contributes to efforts to reduce air pollution. ”
Organizers of Durga Puja and Ramlila can apply for these connections through the websites, apps , WhatsApp , or customer service of BSES Rajdhani Power Limited and BSES Yamuna Power Limited . Payments can be made online.
