Kolkata, Aug 27 — The West Bengal government on Thursday announced a Rs 2,000 increase in the monthly allowance of civic volunteers attached to the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police.
Till now, civic volunteers were entitled to a fixed monthly allowance of Rs 10,000. With Thursday’s announcement, the amount will be increased to Rs 12,000. The volunteers will start receiving the enhanced allowance from September.
A notification issued by the Police Establishment Branch under the state Home & Hill Affairs Department confirmed the hike. It stated that the proposal had been under consideration for some time and had now received concurrence from the office of West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi.
The notification further clarified that the enhanced allowance would be applicable from August 1, meaning volunteers will receive the revised amount beginning September.
However, the current government order has not altered any other terms and conditions of employment for civic volunteers. The notification also mentioned that the additional expenses would be met from designated funds, with the state Finance Department having already given its consent.
The previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime introduced the concept of civic volunteers. That government faced repeated criticism for deploying civic volunteers in crucial law and order and poll‑related duties.
At one point, the Calcutta High Court ruled against using civic volunteers in such roles. Opposition parties had alleged that civic volunteers were being used as an extended arm of Trinamool.
On several occasions, civic volunteers were accused of threatening opposition leaders and workers on behalf of the then ruling party.