Hours before the announcement of the state assembly election schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, today announced a Rs. 500 increase in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins in the state.
With the revision, the monthly honorarium for both categories has been increased to Rs. 2,000.
Announcing the decision, Banerjee said the move was aimed at recognising the services of religious functionaries who play a role in sustaining the spiritual and social fabric of communities.
“I am pleased to announce an increase of ₹500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive ₹2,000 per month,” the CM said in a statement.
I am pleased to announce an increase of ₹500 in the monthly honorariums extended to our purohits and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive ₹2,000 per month.
At the same time, all fresh…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 15, 2026
She also said that all fresh applications submitted by purohits and muezzins seeking to avail the honorarium scheme have been approved by the state government.
Banerjee added that the government remains committed to ensuring that different religious traditions in the state receive recognition and support.
“We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened. Our endeavour remains to ensure that the custodians of our rich spiritual heritage receive the recognition and support they deserve,” she said.
The announcement comes shortly before the expected declaration of the Assembly poll schedule by the Election Commission of India.