Bengal launches Annapurna Yojana; 28.25 lakh women to get Rs 3,000 monthly aid

The West Bengal government on Wednesday launched the Annapurna Yojana for women and announced that 28.25 lakh beneficiaries will receive Rs 3,000 monthly aid in the first phase.

Launching the scheme, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 28,25,769 verified beneficiaries had been enrolled through the dedicated portal during the past three days. He said the enrolment drive was carried out through a coordinated effort involving state officials, district administrations, block development offices, municipal bodies, elected representatives and public participation.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee and the double-engine government’s commitment have ensured that the promise to provide the aid of Rs 3,000 has been implemented,” he said.

The chief minister said fresh applications would continue to be accepted and that all eligible beneficiaries would be covered under the scheme after verification over the next three months.

“As forms are received and verification is completed, ₹3,000 will be transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts. Our target is to ensure that every eligible woman receives the benefit,” he said.

Adhikari said the government would hold briefings every seven days to update people on the number of verified beneficiaries and newly enrolled recipients under the scheme.

He said the programme was dedicated to the empowerment of women and acknowledged their contribution to society.

Referring to West Bengal as a “land of women icons ranging from Rani Rashmoni to freedom fighter Matangini Hazra”, he said women had played a pioneering role in spirituality, culture and social movements.

The chief minister also thanked officials attached to block development offices, municipalities and borough offices for their role in implementing the scheme.

He said the state’s free bus travel scheme for women had received an enthusiastic public response and added that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment towards women’s welfare.