Kolkata: West Bengal has approved recruitment to 14,454 government posts and cleared the Bhagini Nivedita Scheme, which will provide ₹50,000 in financial assistance over three years to unmarried women pursuing higher education.
The decisions were announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari after a Cabinet meeting on October 5. The government has set a target of completing recruitment to the newly approved posts within six to eight months. The Cabinet has also approved higher remuneration for Karmabandhus and increased food allowances for SC and ST students staying in government hostels.
14,454 Government Posts to Be Filled
The newly approved vacancies will be spread across several departments, including forests, fire services, prisons, home and hill affairs.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission and the State Police Recruitment Board will handle the examination and recruitment process for the posts. According to the Chief Minister, the recruitment exercise is part of the state government’s broader target of providing one lakh government jobs.
The government has indicated that recruitment to the newly sanctioned positions should be completed within six to eight months, giving job seekers an opportunity to enter several state departments through fresh recruitment.
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Police Recruitment Also Moves Ahead
A significant part of the recruitment push concerns the state police.
The government plans to begin appointment-related formalities for around 12,000 police posts on October 11. Around 5,000 candidates are expected to receive appointment letters at a programme on the same day.
The move comes alongside efforts to strengthen police infrastructure. The state will also launch the 112 emergency response number for police services on October 10, coinciding with Mahalaya.
As part of the programme, 400 vehicles and 450 motorcycles will be handed over to different police stations at the Brigade Parade Ground.
₹50,000 Support for Unmarried Women
The Cabinet has also approved the Bhagini Nivedita Scheme, aimed at supporting unmarried women pursuing higher education.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive financial assistance over three years:
- ₹17,000 in the first year
- ₹17,000 in the second year
- ₹16,000 in the third year
This brings the total assistance to ₹50,000 per beneficiary.
The scheme is scheduled to be implemented from January next year. The financial support is intended to help women meet the costs associated with continuing higher education and reduce financial barriers to further studies.
Karmabandhus to Get Higher Monthly Remuneration
The Cabinet has also approved an increase in the monthly remuneration of Karmabandhus, contractual sanitation workers engaged under the land and land revenue department.
Their monthly remuneration will rise from ₹5,000 to ₹8,000, with the revised amount applicable from this month.
The increase provides an additional ₹3,000 a month to workers who perform support and sanitation-related duties under the department.
SC, ST Hostel Students to Get Higher Food Allowance
The government has also increased the monthly food allowance for SC and ST students living in government hostels.
The allowance has been raised from ₹1,800 to ₹3,300 per month.
The increase comes at a time when the state is also expanding financial support for higher education through the new Bhagini Nivedita Scheme. Together, the measures target different financial challenges faced by students and economically dependent groups.
For hostel residents, the higher food allowance can provide additional support towards their regular living and food expenses while they continue their education.
Mahalaya to Bring New Police and Cultural Initiatives
The government has linked several new initiatives to the festive period beginning with Mahalaya.
A major cultural programme will be organised at Eden Gardens on October 10, with around 45,000 people expected to attend. The event will feature a special drone show involving around 3,000 drones.
The Chief Minister has described the drone display as one of the major attractions of this year’s Mahalaya celebrations. The Governor has also been invited to the event.
Bijaya Sammilani to Showcase Bengal’s Food Culture
Another programme is scheduled for October 26, when a special Bijaya Sammilani will be organised for Durga Puja committees.
Instead of conventional catering, the event will feature food stalls showcasing popular dishes from different districts of West Bengal.
The format is expected to bring the state’s regional food traditions into the celebration while giving districts an opportunity to showcase their distinctive cuisines.
What the Decisions Mean for People
The Cabinet announcements bring employment, education and welfare measures together in one policy package.
For job seekers, the approval of 14,454 posts opens fresh recruitment opportunities across multiple departments, while the police recruitment process adds another significant employment component. For unmarried women pursuing higher education, the ₹50,000 assistance under the Bhagini Nivedita Scheme creates direct financial support over three academic years.
The higher remuneration for Karmabandhus and increased food allowance for SC and ST hostel students extend the package beyond recruitment and education scholarships.
Taken together, the decisions signal a wider focus on employment generation, educational support and assistance for vulnerable groups, while the police recruitment and emergency response measures also aim to strengthen public services across the state.
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