Kolkata, West Bengal: The Government of West Bengal today officially launched the much-awaited Annapurna Yojana, a social welfare scheme aimed at providing direct financial assistance to eligible women across the state. The scheme was inaugurated at Nabanna by Urban Development Minister and Minister for Women, Child Development and Social Welfare, Agnimitra Paul, in the presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Under the first phase of the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will begin receiving ₹3,000 directly into their bank accounts from today. According to government estimates, nearly two crore people are expected to benefit from the initiative. Initially, the financial assistance will be credited to the accounts of more than 28 lakh beneficiaries, with beneficiary lists set to be updated every seven days.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the dedicated efforts of administrative officials across the state enabled the government to implement the scheme without delay. Minister Agnimitra Paul emphasized that authorities are exercising additional caution during the implementation process due to large-scale irregularities allegedly detected in the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
As part of the launch ceremony, sanction letters will be distributed to 100 selected beneficiaries in every block and municipal area across the state. Additionally, 100 beneficiaries from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area will also receive sanction letters. Officials confirmed that beneficiary lists were finalized based on recommendations from respective Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), Block Development Officers (BDOs), and municipal authorities.
The state government has provided a 90-day registration window for eligible applicants. Women aged 25 to 60 years will qualify for benefits under the Annapurna Yojana, subject to eligibility criteria prescribed by the government.
The Annapurna Yojana is expected to strengthen the state’s social security framework by providing direct financial support to women and enhancing their economic stability.
Source: State Government Announcement
Reporter: DPCI News Desk
