West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday launched a scathing attack on previous administrations, alleging that their severe financial mismanagement has driven the state into a practically bankrupt condition. Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' after distributing enhanced old-age pensions, he stated that it would take a minimum of one full year for the state to pull itself out of this deep economic crisis.
Integration with Central Schemes
With the formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, the Chief Minister emphasized that West Bengal has now successfully reconnected with all central welfare schemes. He stated that funds are actively flowing in and will continue to arrive smoothly in the future. During the event, the old-age pension amount was increased from 1,000 rupees per month to 1,500 rupees per beneficiary.
Revenue Loss and Fiscal Discipline
Highlighting the historical reasons behind the state of affairs, Suvendu Adhikari pointed out that widespread revenue losses, theft, and deliberate exclusion from central programs left the treasury severely depleted. However, praising his own administration's fiscal discipline, he claimed that the state exchequer is projected to generate roughly 18 percent more revenue in the current financial year compared to the previous one. He added that stopping revenue leaks entirely would further boost state earnings.
Strict Action Against Child Marriage
Shifting focus to social issues, the Chief Minister took a very firm stance against child marriage, noting that the state had topped the charts in such illegal practices during the tenure of the Trinamool Congress. He revealed that approximately 60,000 teenage girls had become pregnant, a figure so alarmingly high that the state does not have enough jails to hold all the offenders.
Murshidabad Tops the List
Naming Murshidabad as the worst-affected area, the Chief Minister noted that 12,000 child marriages had taken place there over the past six months alone. The government has resolved to arrest all individuals involved in organizing and performing these marriages, while formal notices will be served to the husbands. Furthermore, perpetrators of child marriage will be barred from receiving any government social benefits and allowances.
