Thakurnagar to become municipality as Suvendu Adhikari announces Rs 50-crore package
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced development funds, healthcare upgrades, and social security measures for the Matua community.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a Rs 50-crore development package and plans to declare Thakurnagar a municipality, according to a report by Urban Acres.
Speaking at a Matua Gosai conference in Thakurnagar, Adhikari stated that the municipality proposal would be included in the state's next budget. He also said the Matua Development Board would be reconstituted to oversee the Rs 50-crore allocation for special works during the current financial year.
The Chief Minister outlined social security measures, including a monthly Rs 3,000 payment under the Annapurna scheme for Matua women aged 25 to 60. He also proposed a monthly old-age allowance of Rs 1,500 for those over 60 and health insurance covering up to Rs 5 lakh in treatment.
Regarding healthcare, Adhikari said the Chandpara health centre would be upgraded to a 100-bed hospital named after Binapani Devi within six months. The facility is expected to include a Special Newborn Care Unit and a Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra.
On citizenship matters, Adhikari said the government set a December 31 deadline to finish hearings for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) applicants. He noted West Bengal has about 250,000 applicants, with approximately 25,000 having received certificates. He said the state would help CAA certificate holders join electoral rolls during the January voter-list revision.
Adhikari also mentioned plans to expand the Matua Thakurbari temple complex and seek national fair status for the Baruni Mela. An officer will be assigned to the chief minister's office to coordinate government schemes for the Matua community.