Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Suvendu Adhikari Pledges Reforms Alongside West Bengal Welfare Measures
Suvendu Adhikari said the West Bengal government wants to make major social reforms.
He said the government would act against child marriage, teenage pregnancies and illegal drug centres.
He reported about 60,000 cases of child marriage and teenage deliveries in six months.
People who arrange marriages for girls under 18 could face arrest.
The government said money had started reaching more than 1.5 crore women.
Payments for some health and community workers will increase.
Older widows will receive a larger monthly pension.
Girls and women will receive support for education, food and housing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the programme online.
Suvendu Adhikari announced a zero-tolerance approach to child marriage, teenage pregnancies and illegal drug centres in West Bengal.
He said about 60,000 cases of child marriage and teenage deliveries had been reported in the state over six months.
Parents, qazis and priests involved in marriages of girls under 18 would face legal action, he said.
Under the Annapurna Yojana, direct transfers had begun reaching more than 1.5 crore women, according to Adhikari.
The government announced higher payments for frontline workers, widows, girl students and pregnant women, along with women’s ownership of new housing.
- Who
- West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the measures, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the programme virtually.
- What
- The government announced social reforms and expanded financial support for women, workers, widows and girl students.
- When
- The announcements were made on Thursday; some benefits began in August and on August 14.
- Where
- The first Annapurna Diwas programme was organised across West Bengal.
- Why
- The government said it aimed to address social problems, strengthen women’s welfare and support economic and social empowerment.
- Reported cases
- About 60,000 cases of child marriage and teenage deliveries were reported in West Bengal over six months, according to Adhikari.
- Women beneficiaries
- More than 1.5 crore women had begun receiving direct transfers under the Annapurna Yojana; the figure was estimated at around 1.6 crore.
- Worker remuneration
- ICDS and ASHA workers received a Rs 5,000 monthly increase from August, while Prani Mitras received a Rs 2,000 increase.
- Widow pension
- The monthly pension for widows over 60 increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.
- Girl students
- Rs 1,000 each was transferred to 20.13 lakh girl students on August 14, with the assistance due to double to Rs 2,000 in 2027.
- Higher education support
- Girls pursuing undergraduate studies after higher secondary education will receive Rs 50,000 over three years.
- Housing
- More than 50 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana were identified for construction, with women designated as owners.