West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday extended her greetings on International Women’s Day, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to women’s welfare and criticizing the central government over rising cooking gas prices. Banerjee used the occasion to highlight several initiatives undertaken by the state to uplift women and ensure their safety and economic empowerment.

Accelerated Disbursement of Yuvashakti Funds

Banerjee announced that the state government had begun disbursing funds under the ‘Yuvashakti’ scheme ahead of schedule. Originally slated for April, the funds were released starting March 7, reaching the bank accounts of nearly 1 crore (10 million) applicants. The initiative aims to provide financial support to young people, particularly women, to boost their economic independence.

“Since yesterday, money has started reaching the bank accounts of nearly 1 crore applicants,” Banerjee said, congratulating the beneficiaries. She emphasized the importance of empowering young women in the state, stating that their contributions to society are immense.

Criticism of Central Government Policies

Banerjee took a strong stance against the central government, accusing it of increasing cooking gas prices to the detriment of households across the country. She stated, “The Central Government’s only job is to harass people. The way gas prices have been increased will impact the kitchens of every household.”

As a mark of dissent, Banerjee announced that women in Bengal would protest by wearing black sarees. She added, “My Lakshmi protests, with fire in her voice. My Lakshmi conquers the nation and tells everyone—’Awake!'”

Banerjee also paid tribute to several prominent women from Bengal’s history, including Pritilata Waddedar, Matangini Hazra, Kalpana Datta, Bina Das, and Suniti Chowdhury. She expressed deep respect for Mother Teresa, noting the legacy of these women in shaping the state’s history.

Welfare Schemes and Economic Empowerment

Banerjee highlighted several welfare programs implemented by the state government, including the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which now has 2.41 crore beneficiaries. Under this scheme, women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families receive Rs 1,700 per month, while others receive Rs 1,500. The allowance has been increased by Rs 500 as part of the government’s efforts to improve women’s welfare.

Additionally, the Swasthya Sathi scheme has provided smart cards to approximately 2.42 crore women, ensuring access to healthcare services. The Kanyashree scheme, which has received global recognition, benefits around 1 crore girls and has been awarded the top honor at UNESCO.

Under the Rupashree scheme, the state has provided one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 each to around 23 lakh women for their marriage. The Sabooj Sathi project has distributed 1.48 crore cycles to students, including nearly 79 lakh girls, aiming to improve access to education, especially for girls.

Banerjee also pointed to improvements in maternal healthcare infrastructure. The state has set up 17 ‘Mother and Child Hubs’ and 13 ‘Waiting Huts’ for pregnant women, leading to an increase in institutional deliveries from 68.1 per cent to 99.14 per cent. She noted that these efforts have significantly improved maternal health outcomes in the state.

Kolkata, she said, remains the safest city in the country for women. The Central Government itself has acknowledged this, and the Kolkata Police have launched ‘Pink Booths’ and the all-women ‘SHINING’ mobile service to enhance safety for women, especially during late hours.

To further ensure women’s safety and representation, the state has established 49 Women’s Police Stations and 52 Fast Track Courts for cases involving women. The government has also implemented a 50 per cent reservation for women in the three-tier Panchayat system.

Banerjee also highlighted economic empowerment initiatives, such as the ‘Anandadhara’ project, which has formed more than 12 lakh Self-Help Groups involving 1.21 crore women. The state has granted 730 days of paid Child Care Leave for female employees in state government institutions, and under the ‘Karmandjali’ project, 13 hostels have been built for working women across the state.

Banerjee concluded with poetic lines celebrating women’s strength and resilience. “My Lakshmi has lit the auspicious light in every home… May my Lakshmis stay well, may the welfare of ‘Biswa Bangla’ prevail.”