Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress released its manifesto for the West Bengal Assembly polls on Friday, making 10 pledges that encompass widening the ambit of existing welfare schemes, stronger healthcare outreach and infrastructure development.
Unveiling the manifesto, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said these commitments would serve as the guiding map for the government once the TMC returns to power for a fourth consecutive term.
“I respectfully present before you my 10 ‘pratigyas’ (pledges) as the path for our government’s journey over the next five years,” she said.
The ruling TMC on Tuesday announced its list of cadidates for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, with party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declaring that the party will contest 291 of the 294 seats in the state.
Under Lakshmir Bhandar, with an increase of ₹500, women will continue to receive monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 for General category beneficiaries (₹18,000 annually) and ₹1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries (₹20,400 annually).
Banglar Yuba-Sathi to continue, extending financial support of ₹1,500 per month (₹18,000 annually) to unemployed youth.
A ₹30,000 crore Agri-Budget to ensure continued assistance to farm families, provide support to landless farmers, and enable holistic upgradation of the agricultural sector.
Every family in Bengal will have a pucca house, and every household will have access to piped drinking water.
Annual Duare Chikitsa camps in every block and town to ensure effective doorstep delivery of healthcare.
Holistic infrastructural upgradation of all Government schools under Banglar Shikshayatan.
Bengal to become the gateway of trade for Eastern India, with world-class logistics, ports, trade infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art Global Trade Centre.
Uninterrupted Old Age Pension support for all existing beneficiaries, while gradually extending the safety net to all eligible senior citizens.
Seven new districts and expand the number of Urban Local Bodies through a comprehensive geographical reorganisation.
Bengal to vote in two phases
Phase 1 (April 23): Voting will take place in 152 assembly seats across 16 districts, including North Bengal and Junglemahal areas such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Malda, Murshidabad, and the Medinipur regions.
Phase 2 (April 29): Voting will cover 142 assembly seats across 7 districts, including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, and Purba Bardhaman.
