West Bengal's Annapurna Yojana to Replace Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, Affecting 30 Lakh Beneficiaries
Nearly 30 lakh on Lakshmi Bhandar scheme list to miss Annapurna dole: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
Image: The Times Of India
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries from the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will not qualify for the new Annapurna Yojana, which offers ₹3,000 monthly to women. The transition involves a verification process to eliminate ineligible recipients.
- 01The Annapurna Yojana will provide ₹3,000 monthly to women, doubling the amount from the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
- 02Approximately 30 lakh women are ineligible due to being deceased, bogus voters, or removed from electoral rolls.
- 03Verification of beneficiaries is necessary as men were found receiving benefits intended for women.
- 04The application process will be open for 90 days, with forms available in Bengali, Hindi, and English.
- 05Ayushman Bharat cards are set to be rolled out by July, with ongoing support under the Swasthya Sathi scheme.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the launch of the Annapurna Yojana, which will replace the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. This new direct benefit transfer program will provide financial assistance of ₹3,000 monthly to women, effectively doubling the previous amount. However, nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries from Lakshmir Bhandar will be ineligible due to issues such as being deceased or removed from the electoral rolls. Adhikari emphasized the need for a verification drive to ensure that only eligible recipients receive benefits, noting that even men had been found receiving funds meant for women. The application process will be available for 90 days, with forms accessible in multiple languages. Additionally, the rollout of Ayushman Bharat cards is expected by July, while existing healthcare support under the Swasthya Sathi scheme will continue. The CM also announced free travel for women on government buses starting June 1.
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The transition to the Annapurna Yojana will directly affect financial assistance to women in West Bengal, particularly those previously enrolled in the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
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