West Bengal CM promises development and citizenship for Matua community
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari pledged to provide citizenship to 2.5 lakh petitioners by December 31.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attended the International Matua Gosai Conference and visited Thakurbari at Thakurnagar on Sunday.
Adhikari stated that the previous Chief Minister had not done anything for the Matuas and had caused divisions within their society. He noted that the current state government was formed because of strong support from this community.
The Chief Minister promised to grant citizenship to 2.5 lakh petitioners by December 31. He said that only 25,000 people in Bengal had received citizenship through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and that the process would be expedited.
Adhikari announced that a Matua Development Board would be formed and a Thakurnagar municipality would be established in the next fiscal year. He also mentioned that the temple could be expanded as empty land is available.
A grant of Rs 50 crore will be provided for the development of the community. Adhikari added that community members would receive benefits ranging from the Annapurna Yojana to the old age pension scheme.