Durga Puja committees decline government grants in West Bengal

Several major Durga Puja committees in the Durgapur and Bardhaman industrial regions have decided to decline the 100,000 rupee government grant offered for the 2026 festivities. This decision follows a request from Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari, who urged large-budget organizers to refrain from applying for the funds so that the money could be directed toward smaller committees.

In Durgapur, prominent clubs such as Santos and Agrani Sanskritik Parishad have officially announced they will not seek the subsidy. Committee leaders stated they wish for the funds to be used for public welfare or to support smaller, less resourceful puja organizers. Other groups, including Shankarpur Sarbojanin and Phuljhore Sarbojanin, have also expressed similar intentions to forgo the grant.

While many large-scale organizers are opting out, some committees remain undecided. In the Purulia district, organizers from the Nituria Dubeshwari Colliery committee noted that the grant would be highly beneficial due to the closure of local collieries and the resulting economic hardship for workers.