West Bengal assembly passes bill to allow women to work in bars
Times of India | 20 March 2025
KOLKATA: The West Bengal assembly on Wednesday sanctioned legislation permitting women to undertake employment in bars. The West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025, was presented by minister of state Chandrima Bhattacharya in the assembly.
It seeks to amend the Bengal Excise Act, 1909, "to remove the prohibition on employment of woman in ON category liquor shops as such provision is discriminatory", among others.
'Of' establishments are retail outlets for purchasing liquor, whereas 'On' premises allow customers to consume alcoholic beverages within their establishment.
Bhattacharya wrapped up the Bill discussions by emphasising the state government's commitment to gender equality.
The legislation grants authority to the state government to supervise the distribution of essential ingredients, including jaggery, as a measure to combat illicit liquor production, as she explained.
Additionally, the legislation will modify the Bengal Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944, offering tax concessions to the tea sector, particularly benefiting smaller tea estates that have struggled since the pandemic period.
"There is no financial implication involved in giving effect to the provisions of the Bill," it said.
State discontinues West Bengal incentives
The West Bengal government intends to end its existing Incentive Schemes while planning to launch a new, more contemporary programme.
Industries minister Shashi Panja presented the Revocation of West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants and Incentives Bill 2025 in the assembly on Wednesday.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee explained that the current scheme, dating back to 2001-02, had become increasingly challenging to maintain, particularly regarding commitments made during the previous Left Front government's administration.
“Even in cases of land acquired during the CPM tenure, our govt is paying compensation. A lot of incentives had been promised without considering the position of the exchequer ofthe state,” she added.
Key highlights:
The West Bengal Assembly passed legislation allowing women to work in 'On' category liquor establishments, removing previous discriminatory restrictions.The new law empowers the state government to oversee the distribution of essential ingredients like jaggery to curb illegal liquor production.The legislation amends the Bengal Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944, to provide tax benefits to smaller tea estates, aiding recovery post-pandemic.