Kolkata: With the dates for assembly elections in West Bengal likely to be announced later this week, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scheme on Monday which many political analysts feel could be another masterstroke in her battle to retain power beating the challenge of an aggressive BJP.
The ‘Maa’ scheme, as it has been named, will see the state government providing meals to poor people at a nominal price of Rs 5. It will include rice, dal, a vegetable and egg curry, Mamata announced, adding that the state government will bear a subsidy of Rs 15 per plate.
Self-help groups will operate the kitchens from 1 pm to 3 pm every day, and people will get the meal on a first-come-first-served basis.
Mamata claimed that West Bengal is the only state to provide free ration, free healthcare and free education to its people.
She had earlier extended the existing health scheme Swasthya Sathi for every family in the state.
Also Read: An Eye On State Polls, West Bengal CM Mamata Brings Everyone Under Existing Health Scheme