New Delhi: Chief Minister of Bengal Mamata Banerjee An increase of Rs 500 in monthly honorarium for priests and muezzins was announced in West Bengal on Sunday, hours before the Election Commission announced the dates of assembly elections in four poll-bound states and the Union Territory of Puducherry. He also announced approval of all new applications by the AITC-led state government.The announcement comes ahead of the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, which comes into effect after the election schedule is announced and which will bar governments from making new policy announcements or financial commitments that could influence voters.In a post on Twitter, Banerjee said the state government has decided to increase the monthly honorarium for priests (priests) and muezzins by Rs 500.“I am happy to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorarium paid to our priests and muezzins, whose service sustains the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this amendment, they will now get Rs 2,000 per month.Also, all new applications duly submitted by the priests and muezzins have also been approved by the state government”, the West Bengal CM wrote in a post on X.With the amendment, the monthly payment will increase to Rs 2,000 for both the groups. The Chief Minister further said that all new applications by priests and muezzins demanding honorarium have been approved by the state government.Banerjee said the move reflected the government’s commitment to recognize the role played by religious functionaries in society.“We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened,” they wrote. He further said that the government’s endeavor is to ensure that those who protect the spiritual traditions of the state get due recognition and support.The announcement came shortly after the Election Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and including Election Commissioner Sukbir Singh Sandhu. Discretion Joshi is expected to announce the schedule of assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala. Assam And Puducherry at a press conference in New Delhi at 4 pm.