Synopsis: Court Order from Calcutta High Court makes it clear that Durga Puja committees failing to submit expense records will not receive state financial aid this year.
By Qalam Times News Network | Kolkata | August 27, 2025
Court Order on Durga Puja Aid
Court Order from the Calcutta High Court has laid down strict conditions regarding financial aid for Durga Puja committees. On Wednesday, the bench of Justice Sujoy Pal and Justice Smita Das De ruled that only those committees which have submitted their expense utilization certificates within the stipulated time will be eligible for state aid. Any committee that has failed to comply will be barred from receiving funds.
State Response and Compliance
During the hearing, the state informed the court that out of a total of 41,795 registered clubs, only three had failed to submit their expense records. All three are located within the Siliguri Police Commissionerate jurisdiction. The court reiterated that adherence to its earlier order on utilization certificates was mandatory, and the state must file a compliance report within a month of the Puja holidays.
Government Aid Announced
This year, the West Bengal government has declared financial aid of ₹1.10 lakh for each Durga Puja committee. Additionally, committees will receive an 80 percent waiver on electricity bills and exemptions from several government fees, including those for fire licenses and other mandatory permits. However, as per the latest Court Order, these benefits will now only be extended to committees that have fulfilled the requirement of submitting their expense records.
