Mamata hikes purohits, muezzins honorarium ahead of poll dates announcement; CEC clarifies on MCC

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a ₹500 increase in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins, raising it to ₹2,000. She said the move recognises their role in the state’s social and spiritual life. Banerjee also announced ROPA 2009 DA arrears for employees and pensioners from March 2026. The announcement came minutes before the Election Commission unveiled assembly poll dates and the Model Code of Conduct took effect.