Mamata Banerjee Increases Durga Puja Grant, Appeals for Migrant Worker Support

In a major pre-festival announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has increased the financial grant for Durga Puja committees across the state to ₹1.1 lakh, while simultaneously making a heartfelt appeal for the inclusion and support of migrant labourers returning to Bengal after facing alleged harassment in BJP-ruled states.

Addressing organisers in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “They’re returning home with nothing. Give them new clothes, give them dignity. We don’t believe in torturing others, nor do we tolerate it.” Her remarks drew attention to the hardships faced by Bengali-speaking workers who have reportedly been mistreated in other parts of the country.


What’s New This Year :-

1 ) Grant raised to ₹1.1 lakh, up from ₹85,000 in 2024 and ₹70,000 in 2023

2 ) Electricity bill concessions extended to 80% (previously 75%)

3 )No fire safety charges from the state fire department, continuing last year’s policy.


With over 43,000 puja committees eligible for the grant, the move will cost the state around ₹473 crore  ,  an increase from last year’s ₹365.5 crore. However, many see this as an investment in the cultural and economic ecosystem of Bengal.

“Durga Puja is not just a celebration. It’s an industry,” said Saswata Bose, general secretary of Forum for Durgotsav. “From decorators and artisans to lightmen and food vendors, it keeps lakhs of people employed. The festive economy may now touch ₹80,000 crore.”


Taking on critics who have accused her of appeasement, Banerjee countered: “Some people say I don’t support pujas. But Bengal celebrates every puja. It’s in our blood, in our economy, in our youth.”

She encouraged puja committees and youth clubs to look beyond just decoration and theme-building. “This is also the time to show compassion — especially for those who’ve returned home broken,” she added.


The Durga Puja Carnival has been scheduled for October 5, just ahead of Lakshmi Puja. Immersion dates are set between October 2 and 4. Meanwhile, the Asaan Puja Permission Portal will go live from August 22 to streamline permissions.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed that crowd control, fire safety, and early deployment will be top priorities this year.

Banerjee also urged organisers to ensure safe pandal designs, emergency exits, and facilities for women, children, specially-abled individuals, and even foreign tourists. “No puja is worth a stampede,” she warned.

With the festive spirit rising and political undertones simmering, Mamata Banerjee’s announcement seems to walk the line between tradition, economy, and social justice. Whether this move earns applause or draws criticism, one thing is clear: Durga Puja 2025 will be both grander and more socially conscious than ever.