Kolkata, Feb. 6 -- Ahead of the assembly elections, the West Bengal governemnt on Thursday announced a Rs 500 monthly increase in the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme and proposed a new portal to extend social security benefits to gig workers.

While addressing a press conference, CM Banerjee said, "We are number one in many schemes like 100 Days Rojgar Yojana, Awas Yojana. But the central government stopped funding for these schemes. We present this budget for the people, not for the election. We kept our word. So, we announced a Rs 500 increment in Lakshmir Bhandar from this February. For gig workers, we will form a portal where they can apply to get benefits," she said.

In a post on X, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) highlighted, "Bi...