West Bengal Government Launches Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 Monthly Aid for 28 Lakh Women
The West Bengal government has rolled out the Annapurna Yojana, a cash transfer scheme providing ₹3,000 per month to eligible women in the state. The scheme, which was officially launched on Wednesday, aims to benefit approximately 28.25 lakh women initially, with the registration process continuing over the next three months.
Under the scheme, women aged between 25 and 60 years are eligible to receive the monthly assistance. Beneficiaries have been given 90 days to register, and the government has arranged help for those who face difficulties in the process. The application form, an 11-page document, has drawn some criticism for its length, but officials maintain that it is necessary to ensure proper verification and prevent fraud.
The Annapurna Yojana replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which provided ₹1,500 per month to over 2.2 crore women. The government cited corruption in the previous scheme as a reason for introducing a new application process. All former beneficiaries must re-register under the new scheme.
To ensure transparency, the government has stated that the list of beneficiaries will be made public, allowing citizens to object if any ineligible person is receiving benefits. The scheme is funded entirely by the state government and is part of its commitment to women's welfare.
