Presently, under the government scheme for women, Rs 1,000 is given each month to the general category beneficiaries and Rs 1,200 to SC/ST women.

“As a strong political opponent but equally as someone concerned about the welfare of our state, I am compelled to write. While the scheme has provided some financial relief, the current amount of Rs 1,000-Rs 1,200 per month is insufficient in today’s economic climate, especially given West Bengal’s inflation rate,” Mahato wrote in his letter.

“In BJP-ruled Maharashtra, the government provides Rs 1,500 per month to women under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which serves a larger demographic and has a broader impact. Similarly, Jharkhand has taken a proactive approach by increasing their cash assistance under the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana to Rs 2,500 per month. These states, despite their financial challenges, have shown commitment to women’s empowerment by offering substantial and meaningful support,” the letter read

“The financial relief provided under Lakshmir Bhandar is insufficient to combat the high inflation rate in West Bengal, largely due to the corrupt practices of your party-affiliated middlemen who manipulate the markets. From basic food items to utilities, prices are skyrocketing, diminishing the value of the assistance offered under this scheme. This financial aid barely covers a fraction of household expenses, making it more of a political gimmick than a step towards true empowerment,” Mahato claimed.

He added, “The West Bengal exchequer is already under immense pressure, with an annual outlay of over Rs 12,000 crore on this scheme alone.”

“To ensure the sustainability of welfare programs like Lakshmir Bhandar without derailing the economy, you should consider Enhancing revenue collection: Improve tax compliance and boost industrialization. Curtailing corruption: Transparent governance will free up significant public resources. Rationalizing expenditures: Prioritise productive investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, alongside welfare measures,” the letter continued.

“Lakshmir Bhandar could be a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, but not if it remains a mere bribe to lure voters,” Mahato wrote.