In a significant move towards gender equality, the West Bengal State Assembly has passed a bill permitting women to work in bars. Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya introduced the West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025, which proposes amendments to the Bengal Excise Act, 1909 ¹.
The bill removes the prohibition on employing women in ON-category liquor shops, where consumption of liquor is allowed on the premises. This change aims to promote gender equality and end discriminatory practices ².
Bhattacharya emphasized that the state government does not support gender-based discrimination. The bill also empowers the state to regulate the supply of raw materials like jaggery to curb illegal liquor production ³.
Additionally, the bill seeks to amend the Bengal Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944, to provide tax relief to the tea industry, particularly smaller tea gardens struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic.