West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launches scholarships for OBC students

Ahead of the Panchayat polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday in North Bengal’s Alipurduar that her government wants to ensure that no one goes hungry in the state.

Banerjee also introduced scholarships for the OBC students, claiming that OBC student’s scholarship has been stopped by the Centre. Lashing out at the central government, Banerjee reiterated that the Centre has stopped all funds in the central schemes, including MNREGA, Gramin Sadak Yojana, and other schemes, increasing the plight of poor people.

Banerjee said that OBC student’s scholarship money has been stopped by the Centre. “We will start this scholarship immediately, so that no section of the society gets deprived,” Banerjee promised. "We must

think in a humane way. No one should shiver in the cold in the winter.We are also distributing blankets. Today, we distributed blankets.".

"I will not beg money from the Centre. I just want to see when the funds will be disbursed," Banerjee said while speaking about MNREGA and housing scheme funds. "In Banglar Bari (PM Awas has been renamed)
11 lakh houses are being built but money is not given yet. Around 17 lakh applications were sent but we will continue to fight for people’s rights. In rural roads, flood and cyclones -they (Centre) don’t pay.
However, we will not beg for any money."

The Chief Minister directed the state administration to complete all pending services in North Bengal before January 27. "Our government, including the Panchayat, is doing good work," she said.

Talking about immense potential in the tourism sector in North Bengal, Banerjee spoke about how BJP had made false promises of opening close tea gardens. The state government has created special housing projects "Cha Sundori", health centres and facilities for children of tea garden workers.

"We have planned to create 113 creche for the children of the tea garden workers. Today 34 has been finalized. At least 43 health centres will be opened," Banerjee announced.