State Guarantees Protection for All Ferry Operators Ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata, July 4 – The West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, issued an official assurance that no ferry vendor will be removed from any site in the state until the Durga Puja season begins in October.

During a meeting at the state secretariat with Asit Saha, the state president of the Ferry Vendors Joint Action Committee, the chief minister reiterated a humanitarian stance, promising a complete freeze on eviction actions until the festive period.

Saha told the media that the announcement puts an end to the climate of fear that had gripped the ferry community. He also noted that the government will raise concerns with the Indian Railways to secure a lasting solution for those operating on railway property.

A subsequent session with the municipal corporation’s secretary is scheduled for next week to discuss ID verification for vendors and to outline future policy directions. The suspension of eviction drives until Durga Puja has been welcomed as a breath of fresh air by countless ferry owners and their dependents across West Bengal.