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Durga Puja Salary: Government employees in this state are in for a treat, as their September salaries will be paid before Durga Puja.

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West Bengal to Release September Salaries Early to Ease Festive Spending Before Durga Puja

The West Bengal government has announced a welcome financial relief for its employees ahead of the state’s biggest festival, Durga Puja. To help government staff manage festive expenses smoothly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration will disburse September salaries in advance, ensuring employees receive their pay before the celebrations begin.

Salary to Arrive Before Puja Holidays

Durga Puja, the most celebrated festival in West Bengal, will be held from September 28 to October 2, 2025. Anticipating the increased household spending during this period, the state finance department issued a circular confirming that salaries, wages, stipends, and other regular payments for September will be credited on September 24 and 25. This schedule comes just ahead of the Puja holidays, which start on September 26.

The early disbursal will cover not only the regular monthly salaries of government employees but also honorariums, grants, and scholarships. However, the circular clarified that pension payments for September will follow the usual cycle and be credited on October 1.

Aim to Provide Festive Financial Relief

A senior government official explained that this decision was made to ease the financial burden on state employees as they prepare for the grand festivities. “The early salary payment will help employees meet additional expenses during Durga Puja,” the official told PTI.

In addition, the government has announced that direct benefit transfers (DBT) under welfare schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar will also be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on October 1. These timely transfers are expected to provide a major boost to household budgets across the state.

Importance of Durga Puja in Bengal

Durga Puja is not just a festival but an essential part of West Bengal’s cultural and economic fabric. Preparations begin weeks in advance, with families investing in new clothes, decorations, and lavish feasts. Markets, artisans, and small businesses all rely on the increased spending during this period. By releasing salaries early, the government aims to support both employees and the broader local economy.

Delhi Ensures Smooth Power Supply for Festivities

Meanwhile, preparations are also underway in the national capital to ensure uninterrupted celebrations. Delhi’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs) have introduced a quick-approval system for temporary electricity connections to support Durga Puja and Ramleela organizers. According to a BSES spokesperson, consumers can now obtain temporary connections within 24 hours of completing formalities, ensuring continuous power supply at festive venues and reducing reliance on polluting generators.

Boost to Employees and the Economy

This proactive move by the West Bengal government reflects a practical understanding of the state’s cultural priorities and the financial needs of its workforce. With salaries arriving early, lakhs of government employees will have more flexibility to manage Puja-related expenses, while businesses across Bengal can expect increased spending power among consumers.

By aligning administrative decisions with festive traditions, the state ensures that Durga Puja 2025 will not only be a cultural celebration but also a strong driver of local economic activity.