West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Raises Honorarium for Priests and Muezzins Ahead of Assembly Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 increase in the monthly honorariums for purohits and muezzins, raising the amount to Rs 2,000. The state government also approved all pending and fresh applications for the honorarium scheme. The announcement, made hours before the Election Commission declared the 2026 Assembly poll dates, reflects the government's aim to support religious functionaries and promote communal harmony. Additionally, Banerjee declared the release of pending dearness allowance arrears for state employees and pensioners.