A social organisation representing the tribal community dwelling in north Bengal sent a letter to Mamata Banerjee on Friday, seeking financial assistance for “Karam Puja,” – a traditional religious event to be held next month – like the assistance the state provides to the clubs which organize Durga Puja across the state.

On Friday, a delegation of tribals under the banner of “Dara Parha,” an organisation of the tribals, reached the district magistrate’s office and submitted the letter.

“The state government is providing ₹85,000 to clubs and other Durga Puja organisers of the state. On the other hand, the organisers of Karam Puja, a major religious festival of the tribals, get ₹500 to ₹1,000. We want the state to provide one lakh rupees to each such organization of ours that arranges the puja,” said Dinesh Barua, a representative of the association.

According to them, around 500 Karam Pujas are being held in north Bengal while another 300 are to be held in the southern districts.

“We thank the chief minister for announcing a holiday on the occasion of Karam Puja. But the tribals simultaneously want assistance from the state government so that we can celebrate the traditional religious festival in a better manner,” said Shiv Toppo, another representative of Dara Parha.

Mamata Banerjee had announced a holiday for Karam Puja in tribal-dominated belts of the state, including the tea belt of north Bengal.

Tribal families have contributed in their respective localities for the puja.

“Altogether, it is a matter of eight crore rupees. If hundreds of crores can be paid to the clubs, why can’t the state pay this amount to us,” said another member.

Shama Parveen, the district magistrate of Jalpaiguri, said they have sent the letter to the state. “It is up to the state to make a decision,” she said.