Durga Puja is extra than just a religious festival in West Bengal. It’s a time when the complete country comes alive with lighting fixtures, track, decorations, and devotion.
Every year, hundreds of community clubs and puja committees across Bengal put in months of making plans and hard paintings to create beautiful pandals and grand celebrations.
In a prime improvement for them, the West Bengal government has announced an eighty% cut price on energy bills for all registered Durga Puja committees. This aid will reduce the burden of growing costs and permit organizers to focus greater on cultural and creative aspects.
What the Government Said?
The new initiative was shared by the State Power Department ahead of the Durga Puja season. According to the announcement:
- 80% of the electricity cost will be paid by the state government.
- The scheme applies to registered puja committees only.
- This discount is valid during the official Puja period, including setup and dismantling days.
- The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) will manage the billing process with the discount already applied.
Why This Move Matters?
Organizing a Durga Puja involves huge expenses. From hiring decorators to arranging sound and light systems, every step costs money. One of the biggest expenses is the electricity bill, especially for pandals that use advanced lighting setups.
Read Also: Big Boost for Puja Committees: State Steps Up Festival Funding
With the new discount:
- A significant portion of their budget will be saved by puja committees.
- More funds can be spent on stage shows, cultural events, safety, and cleanliness.
- Smaller clubs will now be able to organize better pujas.
- There will be less pressure on fundraising, especially in middle-class areas.
Who Can Avail This Benefit?
Not every group can get the discount. The authorities have absolutely noted that handiest sure puja committees will qualify.
Eligibility Criteria:
The committee ought to be registered with the local authority (municipality or panchayat).
- A separate electricity meter should be installed for the pandal.
- The official WBSEDCL webpage is where the committee must submit their application.
- All previous dues must be cleared before applying.
- The load requirement and number of usage days must be submitted during application.
Simple Online Application Process
The application has been made digital to save time and avoid long queues. Committees can apply through an easy online form.
Steps to apply:
- Go to the official WBSEDCL Puja Portal.
- Fill in the required committee details and address.
- Upload valid registration proof, identity documents, and past electricity bills.
- Submit the application before the last date.
- After verification, the discount may be added to the bill automatically.
How Much Can Committees Save?
To understand the benefit clearly, let’s take a real-world example.
Suppose:
- A medium-sized pandal has a power bill of 1,00,000.
- With an 80% discount, the committee only pays 20,000.
- This means a savings of 80,000 which can be used elsewhere.
For large pandals with high power needs, the savings could run into lakhs of rupees.
Public Response and Reactions
The local communities and puja organizers have embraced this choice wholeheartedly.
What organizers are saying:
- It’s a great relief for our club,” said a puja committee member from Barrackore.
- We can now spend more on artists and performers,” said an organizer in Durgapur.
- This shows the government values our culture,” said a club volunteer in Kolkata.
Even residents believe this will make the celebrations more joyful and safer, as more funds can go toward proper planning.
A Cultural and Economic Boost
By lowering electricity costs, the government is indirectly supporting:
- Local artists and workers
- Vendors and small businesses
- Tourism and hospitality sectors
Durga Puja contributed more than 45000 crore to Bengal's financial system in 2024.This year, with delivered support, that quantity ought to upward thrust even extra.
Encouraging Eco-Friendly Celebrations
Along with the electricity subsidy, the government is encouraging committees to pick green options for decoration and lighting.
Eco-friendly suggestions:
- Use LED lights that save power.
- Choose recyclable decoration materials.
- Avoid high-volume sound systems late at night.
- Reduce plastic waste during prasad and food distribution.
Committees that follow green guidelines may also receive certificates or extra incentives in the future.
More Support for Puja Committees
Over the years, the state has helped puja committees with various kinds of assistance. Apart from the electricity discount, some other support includes:
- Financial grants of 50,000 for registered pujas.
- Fire safety and crowd control help from local authorities.
- Civic body support for cleanliness and traffic management.
- Free training workshops on disaster management and safety are available to volunteers.
Political Views and Debates
While most people support the new power discount, some political parties have questioned the timing. They feel it is an attempt to gain public support before elections. However, others say that helping cultural traditions is not politics—it’s about respect. Many believe that even if politics is involved, this move will help the public in real ways, which is what truly matters.
Final Thoughts
The 80% discount on power bills has come as a big relief to thousands of puja committees in Bengal. It suggests the nation government’s assistance for culture, lifestyle, and the common humans. Quick Recap
- Electricity bills for registered puja committees would be reduced by 80%.
- The discount applies only during the Durga Puja period.
- Applications must be made online via the WBSEDCL portal.
- The move will reduce financial stress and promote cultural unity.
Committees are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices.
