West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made a big remark on the issue of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Speaking at a public welfare camp in Nandigram, he questioned why people who have a problem with saying ‘Vande Mataram’ or singing the national anthem should receive benefits under government schemes.

He also spoke about alleged irregularities in welfare schemes and announced changes to make recruitment exams more transparent.

CM raises questions over government benefits

Addressing people in Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari said that some parents do not send their children to government schools and instead choose institutions where there are objections to saying ‘Vande Mataram’ or the national anthem.

He said that if some people are uncomfortable with saying ‘Vande Mataram’, then questions naturally arise about giving them benefits under government welfare schemes. He added that this is why certain forms are being introduced.

During his speech, the Chief Minister also spoke about national security. He said that surveillance along the borders is being strengthened and that work related to the census and action against corruption is continuing.

He further said that no one would want people coming from Bangladesh to misuse government welfare schemes.

125 days of employment plan announced

Speaking about employment, the Chief Minister said that preparations are being made to provide 125 days of work instead of the current 100 days from July 1.

He said that a provision of ₹8,500 crore has been made for the scheme. He also mentioned the Annapurna Bhandar scheme and claimed that money had already been transferred to the bank accounts of lakhs of beneficiaries.

New rules for recruitment exams

Suvendu Adhikari also announced a new system to improve transparency in government recruitment exams.

He said that candidates appearing for government exams will now be allowed to take home carbon copies of their OMR sheets and answer booklets. According to him, this step will make the recruitment process more transparent and reduce the chances of irregularities.