Kolkata: Over 28 lakh women across West Bengal have received Rs 3,000 each under the state's Annapurna Yojana as the direct benefit transfer (DBT) process began on Wednesday. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari officially launched the transfer at Nabanna, stating that 28,25,769 enrolments were received and verified in the last three days, with funds already credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts.
Verification and Eligibility
The Chief Minister announced that once verification is complete, additional applicants will also receive the money. Both Adhikari and state minister Agnimitra Paul clarified that those removed during the SIR process are not entitled to benefits. However, individuals with pending appeals before SIR tribunals or those applying for CAA are not considered deleted.
Application Process Extended
Adhikari stated that the application process for the scheme will remain open for the next three months. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for ensuring the fulfillment of manifesto promises. The CM emphasized that eligible individuals will benefit, and measures have been taken to prevent funds from reaching non-Indians, citing instances where lakhs not on voter lists continued receiving benefits under schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar. Implementation arrangements have been made at borough and block offices across the state.
Launch Event Highlights
At the launch, the CM handed over cheques of Rs 3,000 each to five women: Sumitra Ray, Sandhya Bahadur, Sumi Mandi, Rajkumari Devi, and Rinku Porel. Rajkumari Devi from Pilkhanan expressed gratitude, stating the scheme empowers many women like her.
Application Details
The online application process was rolled out on Monday via the state's social security portal. Offline form-filling had already begun, with around 2 lakh applications verified. Applicants must complete a 12-page form providing detailed household and financial information, including bank account details, family composition, children's vaccination status, landholding, and other socio-economic data.
