As West Bengal heads towards Assembly elections, women across sectors have said that the next government should focus on job creation, safety and long-term empowerment, while building on existing welfare schemes.
For many women in West Bengal, their expectations are layered. They speak of progress but also of gaps. Over the years, their expectations have become sharper and more specific.
Although there is acknowledgement that schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and Kanyashree have made a difference to the lives of women, particularly in easing financial pressure and keeping girls in school, many say empowerment cannot stop at assistance.
In the cultural sector, which has historically been one of West Bengal’s strongest identities, there is a sense that talent continues to outpace institutional support.
Meanwhile, safety, too, remains central to the conversation. While there is recognition that steps have been taken to improve law and order, many feel that implementation needs to be stronger and more consistent.
Suchismita Bagchi, a senior professional in an education company said that government needs to ensure that people have faith in the law enforcement agencies. The police need to be given the power to take independent and impartial actions. It is time that they must come out of political lineage.
She further hoped that the next government maintains transparency when it comes to budgetary allocation, its utilisation and its implementation.
According to her, the government needs to be transparent. For the clarity of budget allocation and implementation of schemes, the government needs to publish a white paper from time to time. Besides, a healthy environment is required to encourage new businesses and investment opportunities. Schools that have been closed over the years must be reopened. Teacher recruitment must be held in a transparent manner to fill the vacant posts in schools, colleges and universities.
She said a course on civic sense, duties and rights for children must be included in the school curriculum.