Significant agricultural and administrative relief measures have been announced to support the farming community across West Bengal. Speaking at an administrative review meeting in Purba Bardhaman district, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari outlined a comprehensive package aimed at cutting input costs, enhancing direct income support, and guaranteeing fair crop procurement for agricultural producers across the state.
Rs 2 Per Unit Subsidy on Electricity for Agriculture
To reduce the operational expenses incurred during irrigation and farm management, the state administration is rolling out a direct power subsidy. Under this initiative, approximately 4 lakh farmers across West Bengal will receive a subsidy of Rs 2 per unit on electricity. This relief is structured to lower the recurring cost of running electrical pumps and agricultural equipment, providing essential financial ease to rural households.
PM-Kisan Assistance Enhanced to Rs 9,000
Addressing the administrative gathering, the Chief Minister confirmed a substantial hike in direct income support for the farming community. Beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan scheme in West Bengal will now receive Rs 9,000 instead of the previous Rs 6,000 entitlement. This enhanced financial buffer is intended to assist farmers in managing seasonal expenditures on seeds, fertilizers, and other critical farm inputs without taking on informal debt.
Guaranteed Procurement and Rs 2,700 MSP per Quintal for Paddy
The state government also unveiled a comprehensive crop procurement roadmap to protect agricultural yields. The Chief Minister announced that the administration will purchase all the paddy that farmers wish to sell, ensuring complete market absorption. Furthermore, a minimum support price of Rs 2,700 per quintal will be guaranteed for paddy, shielding cultivators from distress selling in open markets.
Zero Tolerance for Middlemen and 1 Lakh Jobs Drive
Accusing the previous administration of subjecting farmers to harassment, the Chief Minister asserted that intermediaries and unauthorized agents will have no place in the procurement machinery. Local legislators will actively serve as guardians to protect farmers' interests on the ground. Alongside agricultural measures, the government reaffirmed its commitment to generate 1 lakh jobs during the current financial year through a completely transparent recruitment mechanism.
Early Salary, DA, and Pension Payouts Scheduled for October 15
The review also highlighted scheduled financial disbursements for government employees and pensioners. In line with a memorandum issued on September 23 by the finance department, the state will disburse salaries and pensions for October 2026 on October 15. The scheduled disbursement covers grant-in-aid pay, remuneration, stipends, wages, honorariums, as well as regular and family pensions, credited with enhanced Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) wherever applicable.
