Kolkata, April 10 (IANS) Women in West Bengal on Friday welcomed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision as it released the poll manifesto to provide them a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 ahead of the two-phased Assembly polls scheduled later this month.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday released “Sankalp Patra” (election manifesto) for the April 23 and 29 Assembly polls in West Bengal.

During the event, Union Minister Shah announced that a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 will be provided to strengthen the financial independence of women in the poll-bound state.

Tukku Sarkar, a local resident, told IANS, “The Trinamool Congress made tall promises during elections but failed to provide jobs or improve education. People need employment and empowerment, not just allowances. Healthcare facilities should also be strengthened in West Bengal.”

A financially independent woman, Vijayata, voiced her discomfort with the monetary assistance schemes brought in by political parties..

Vijayata said, “I do not avail of the state’s Rs 1,500 Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and would not accept assistance from any party, as I am self-reliant and do not want any charity money. I am a very apolitical person and don’t want to get into this.”

Underlining that there is a difference between what is promised and what is actually delivered on the ground, another local resident, Chahad Parveen, said, “The promises do not match actions. I am not satisfied with the current state scheme (under the Trinamool Congress-led government).”

Apart from the cash transfer, the BJP’s manifesto promises 100 per cent free transport for women.

At the same time, the BJP’s poll manifesto also promised investigations into cases of crimes against women by a special committee of retired judges.

Significantly, zero tolerance against infiltration, evolving a transparent and corruption-free state recruitment mechanism, economic progression along with women empowerment were among the top priorities in the poll manifesto.

Union Home Minister Shah also said that a transparent, corruption-free state recruitment mechanism should be implemented, with vacant state government posts filled strictly based on merit, eliminating the risk of cash-for-jobs.

He also said the priority of the BJP is to ensure permanent jobs and not contractual jobs in West Bengal if it comes to power.

“Youths will be provided with Rs 15,000 to prepare for competitive exams. In addition, those who have been deprived of jobs due to corruption will be given a relaxation of up to five years in age,” he said.

–IANS

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