West Bengal Politics & Governance

West Bengal plans review of Kolkata tram network

1 July 2026

West Bengal’s Transport Department asked RITES to assess Kolkata’s tram routes, rolling stock and depots as part of a proposed revival and modernisation plan. Options include restoring routes, introducing air-conditioned or battery-powered trams and extending services towards Dakshineswar–Kalighat and New Town. The proposals are subject to review; the government said work would begin with the existing network.

Key Facts

• Kolkata’s tramway, operating since 1873, is among the world’s oldest continuously operating systems and Asia’s oldest running tramway.
• RITES provides transport engineering consultancy, feasibility studies and project management, supporting assessment and planning of the proposed revival.

West Bengal begins Annapurna Yojana transfers

1 July 2026

West Bengal began transferring ₹3,000 under the Annapurna Yojana to eligible applicants’ bank accounts on 1 July. At the launch event, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said more than 1.09 crore beneficiaries had received transfers by early afternoon and that further payments would follow. He also said around 26 lakh of roughly 1.6 crore applications had been rejected after screening.

Key Facts

• The scheme covers West Bengal women aged 25–60 who are neither in permanent government employment nor income-tax payers.
• Assistance is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Calcutta High Court seeks West Bengal’s response on ration and Annapurna benefits

1 July 2026

The Calcutta High Court asked the West Bengal government to state its position by 21 July on a public-interest petition concerning ration and Annapurna Yojana benefits for people whose names were deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The petitioners alleged that affected people risked losing access to benefits; the court directed the state to examine the matter and inform it of its response.

Key Facts

• The National Food Security Act entitles eligible Public Distribution System beneficiaries to five kilograms of cereals per person monthly.

West Bengal reopens Utsashree portal for school-staff transfers

1 July 2026

West Bengal resumed online transfer applications through the Utsashree portal for schoolteachers and non-teaching staff on 1 July. The portal had been suspended since September 2022, with the suspension extended through 30 June 2026.

Revised minimum wages take effect in West Bengal

1 July 2026

Revised minimum-wage rates took effect in West Bengal on 1 July for workers in 31 specified industries and services. Rates vary by zone and skill category; for unskilled workers, the reported monthly minimums are ₹30,358 in Zone A and ₹29,760 in Zone B.

Key Facts

• A minimum wage is the legally enforceable pay floor for covered workers.

West Bengal reports phased plans to reopen jute mills

1 July 2026

Meetings between West Bengal’s Labour Department, jute-mill owners and workers’ unions produced plans to reopen several closed mills in stages. The proposals included maintenance before production, with some mills expected to begin production later in July; the reported worker-benefit estimates were prospective.

Key Facts

• Jute offers a biodegradable alternative to plastic consumer bags, supporting its market relevance.

Provident Fund authorities seal Longview Tea Garden offices

2 July 2026

Provident Fund authorities sealed Longview Tea Garden’s main administrative office, general manager’s office and bungalow during an enforcement action. Workers have been protesting over alleged unpaid provident fund, gratuity and wage dues.

Key Facts

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Union Labour Ministry, regulates and manages provident funds in India.

AC bus service connects Sonarpur and New Town

2 July 2026

West Bengal launched the AC 58 government bus service between Sonarpur and Eco Space in New Town, via Sonarpur station, Kamalgazi, Ruby, Chingrighata and College More. Five buses were reported to be operating on the route, which serves passengers travelling to Tata Medical Center and other destinations along the corridor.

Key Facts

• West Bengal Transport Corporation operates state bus, tram and ferry services.

Women’s help desks launched in police stations

2 July 2026

West Bengal launched women’s help desks at police stations to receive complaints and assist women complainants. Services include help writing complaints in the complainant’s preferred language, legal assistance where needed and round-the-clock staffing by women police personnel.

Key Facts

• Police guidance says women’s help-desk staff should accept a Zero FIR when required, even if the incident occurred outside their station’s jurisdiction.

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