Bengal Hikes ASHA Workers' Pay, Lakshmir Bhandar Aid As CM Mamata Tries To Woo Women Before Polls

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Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 15:42 IST

West Bengal raised Lakshmir Bhandar scheme payment to Rs 1500 and increased ASHA workers' honorarium by Rs 1000, as Mamata Banerjee aims to woo women ahead of assembly polls.

 PTI/File)

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee . (Image: PTI/File)

The West Bengal government on Thursday hiked payment under the flagship “Lakshmir Bhandar" scheme to Rs 1500 from Rs 1000, seen as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s bid to woo women before assembly polls.

The government also increased honorarium for ASHA workers by Rs 1,000 and announced a new scheme “Bangla Yuba Sathi" in which unemployed youth aged 21-40 will receive Rs 1500 till they get a job or up to five years.

Assembly elections in West Bengal are due in April-May this year.

The state government has increased the remuneration of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) workers, para teachers, Siksha Bandhu, Siksha Sahayak, and civic and green police personnel by Rs 1,000. Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees has also been raised by 4 per cent.

In addition, gig workers have now been brought under the Swastha Sathi health insurance scheme.

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First Published:

February 05, 2026, 15:09 IST

News elections Bengal Hikes ASHA Workers' Pay, Lakshmir Bhandar Aid As CM Mamata Tries To Woo Women Before Polls

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