West Bengal CM vows free education for children of Murshidabad riot victims

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on April 22 that she will visit Murshidabad in early May following the inauguration of the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha.

The region has been reeling from recent unrest linked to protests over the amended Waqf Act.

Speaking at an event in Paschim Medinipur to launch eastern India’s largest solar power project in Goaltore, Banerjee shared her plans for the visit and outlined a series of relief measures for those affected by the violence.

“After the inauguration of the Jagannath temple in Digha, I will visit Murshidabad early in May. Not only that, but the government will also provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and those whose houses and shops have been damaged, as much as possible,” she said.

The CM said that the state will cover the educational expenses of children who lost their parents in the unrest.

“I have promised the families of those who died that I will give them Rs 10 lakh,” she said. “Our MPs have also told them that if necessary, the government will take responsibility for the education of their children.”

This pledge echoes similar commitments Banerjee made last week at a gathering of Imams and Muazzems held at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.

Murshidabad, along with parts of the Malda district, recently witnessed a wave of violent protests.

The disturbances spread to several areas, including Suti, Jangipur, Samserganj, and Farakka, prompting a significant security response.

Condemning the violence, Banerjee blamed both “outsiders” and some local residents for fueling the unrest.

“We are conducting a survey to see whose houses and shops have been damaged. I will go in early May, then I will go and see the rest and report back. You can trust this much; you can rest assured,” she added.

In addition to compensation, Banerjee announced that affected families will be provided new housing through the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme.

She has directed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to oversee the assessment of damage to shops that were looted during the clashes.

While acknowledging the pain and displacement caused by the unrest, Banerjee said the situation has stabilized thanks to the coordinated efforts of the police and central forces.