Bengal Cabinet Announces Probe Into Corruption and Women Harassment Cases

By Thetripurapost Desk, Kolkata
May 18, 2026
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Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced major decisions taken during a cabinet meeting in West Bengal, including investigations into alleged corruption and harassment of women during the government led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Bengal government said two separate commissions headed by retired judges of the Calcutta High Court would be formed to investigate institutional corruption and crimes against women.

The state cabinet also announced the discontinuation of honorariums paid to imams, muezzins and priests from June 1, alongside the launch of the Annapurna Scheme, free bus travel for women, and an increase in the age limit for state government jobs.

Bengal Government Forms Panel to Probe Corruption Cases

The West Bengal cabinet approved the formation of a committee headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Biswajit Basu to investigate alleged corruption in the state.

The panel will examine allegations of scams, bribery, kickbacks, misuse of public funds, and irregularities in government schemes, construction projects and public services.

The committee will also create a mechanism for citizens to submit complaints regarding corruption.

Commission to Investigate Atrocities Against Women in Bengal

A second commission headed by retired judge Justice Sampati Chatterjee will investigate cases involving atrocities against women and girls in West Bengal.

The commission will also look into complaints related to children, SC/ST communities and minority groups.

According to the government, citizens will be able to file complaints through an online portal, WhatsApp and email.

Bengal Government Stops Honorarium for Imams, Muezzins and Priests

The cabinet decided to stop government honorariums provided to imams, muezzins and priests based on religious identity from June 1.

Previously, registered mosque imams in West Bengal were receiving ₹3,000 per month, while muezzins and priests were receiving ₹2,000 monthly as honorarium.

The Mamata Banerjee government had increased these honorariums by ₹500 shortly before the announcement of the Assembly elections in March.

However, the state government clarified that scholarship schemes for students would continue without interruption.

Bengal Announces ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women

The West Bengal government approved the launch of the Annapurna Yojana under which eligible women will receive ₹3,000 every month starting June 1.

Existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme will automatically receive benefits under the new scheme without reapplying.

Officials said the financial assistance amount will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Free Bus Travel for Women From June 1

The Bengal cabinet also approved free travel for women in government-run buses across the state from June 1.

However, the government clarified that there are currently no plans to increase the number of buses under the scheme.

Bengal Government Increases Age Limit for Government Jobs

The state government announced a five-year increase in the upper age limit for state government recruitment.

Under the revised rules, the maximum age limit has been increased to 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts, and 45 years for Group C and D posts.

The revised age criteria will come into effect from May 11, while existing age relaxations for SC, ST, OBC and differently-abled candidates will continue.

Seventh Pay Commission Approved in West Bengal

The cabinet also approved the formation of the Seventh State Pay Commission to revise salaries of state government employees.

The pay commission will cover employees working in government departments, municipal bodies, educational institutions and state education boards.

The state government said a detailed notification regarding the commission and implementation timeline would be issued later.

Bengal Government to Prepare New OBC List

The West Bengal cabinet also decided to cancel the existing OBC list following a 2024 judgment by the Calcutta High Court.

The government will form a separate committee to prepare a revised OBC list and determine reservation eligibility.

The dispute was linked to the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities, in the OBC category. The High Court had cancelled nearly five lakh OBC certificates issued after 2010.