West Bengal CM releases application forms for Annapurna Scheme, to provide Rs 3000 monthly to women
Howrah, May 27
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday released forms for the proposed Annapurna Scheme under which the women would receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 each.
Addressing a press conference, CM Adhikari expressed concern that about 30 lakh people, who have neither applied under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) nor approached the tribunal, are receiving benefits of financial assistance provided by the state government, which is meant only for Indian citizens.
BJP had promised a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to women, with an objective to ensure their economic independence.
Adhikari said, "In the BJP's Sankalp Patra, we had pledged that, immediately upon forming the government, we would launch the Annapurna Scheme. Under this initiative, eligible beneficiaries, specifically women, would receive direct financial assistance of Rs 3,000 each. Approximately 30 lakh people have neither applied under the CAA nor approached the tribunal; these individuals are currently receiving funds. This scheme is intended for those residing in India. However, those who have applied under the CAA, or those who have filed an appeal with the tribunal following adjudication, are an exception. We are launching a form today through our Department of Women and Child Development."
He added that the application form will collect the details of the applicants and their families. According to Adhikari, the application form is aimed at a "clean and accurate" list of beneficiaries.
"Under the leadership of the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary, the entire administrative machinery will be actively involved. The objective is to compile a clean and accurate list, ensuring that benefits reach only those who are truly eligible. The application form collects specific details as our government intends to provide Rs 3,000 and also gather family data, which is essential for implementing other welfare programs for these families," the Chief Minister said.
The Annapurna Yojana replaces the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme of the TMC government, under which women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes households received Rs 1,200 per month, and women from other categories got Rs 1,000.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative! The previous Lakshmi Bhandar scheme gave only Rs 1000-1200, and now they're tripling it 🙌. But I worry about the state's finances - will this be sustainable? Specially with the focus on excluding those who haven't applied under CAA. Seems like a political move to me.
Finally a scheme that actually helps women! But I'm skeptical about the CAA connection - why mix citizenship verification with a welfare scheme? Seems like another way to create confusion. Focus on delivering benefits, not politics.
Good move by CM Adhikari! The previous TMC government's Lakshmi Bhandar was a joke - only Rs 1000 for most women. This new scheme shows BJP fulfills its promises. But the 30 lakh people without CAA applications is concerning - hope they don't face harassment.
As an outsider looking in, this seems like a smart political move. But Rs 3000/month is still quite low for true economic independence. The real test will be implementation - will the money actually reach the women who need it most?
This is good news for women in Bengal! But why link it to CAA? The scheme should be about helping women, not about politics. Also, I hope the application process is simple and accessible for rural women who may not have proper documents.
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