Recruitment to over 14K government posts within 8 months: Suvendu; Rs 50K aid for women pursuing higher education

PTI, Oct 5, 2026, Kolkata: West Bengal cleared the decks for recruitment to 14,454 government posts within six to eight months, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday, while also approving the Bhagini Nibedita Scheme to provide Rs 50,000 assistance to unmarried women pursuing higher education over three years.

The government also raised the monthly remuneration of ‘Karmabandhus’, part-time support staff, from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, while increasing the food allowance for SC and ST hostel students from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,300.

Speaking about fresh recruitment, Adhikari said appointment letters would be issued within six to eight months. The recruitment process will begin soon, with the PSC and police recruitment board directed to gear up. Recruitment will be undertaken for the police, health, forest, MSME and textile departments.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting on Monday as the government sought to accelerate recruitment across departments.

Of the sanctioned posts, majority are for police constables including women constable for filling up posts in 29 women police stations, while the remaining vacancies will be filled in different government departments.

Adhikari said the government’s earlier commitment to fill 1 lakh vacancies would be implemented in phases. The latest approvals are part of that exercise, he said.

In another pre-Puja decision, the government approved a hike in the monthly remuneration of Karmabandhus working in various departments, who are mostly involved in cleaning jobs. Their pay will be increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, with the revised amount to take effect before the festival, said the CM.

The Cabinet also enhanced the food allowance for SC and ST students staying in government hostels. The monthly allocation has been raised from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,300, providing an additional Rs 1,500 per student.

Under the Bhagini Nivedita Scholarship Scheme, girls entering undergraduate courses will receive scholarships for three years—Rs 17,000 per annum in the first year, Rs 17,000 per annum in the second year and Rs 16,000 in the third year, taking the total assistance to Rs 50,000.