Kolkata/IBNS, May 18 -- The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday decided to discontinue all state assistance programmes based on religious categorisation, bringing to an end a series of schemes introduced during the previous administration headed by Mamata Banerjee.

The cabinet also approved a Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance scheme for women and announced free travel for women on state-run buses from June 1.

Minister Agnimitra Paul said departments such as Information and Cultural Affairs, Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education would continue the existing schemes only until the end of May.

From June, the government will discontinue assistance programmes that were classified on the basis of rel...