Bengal: Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Raises Women Beneficiaries’ Concerns

The scheme, launched by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, promises ₹3,000 per month to eligible women beneficiaries—double the ₹1,500 provided by the previous Trinamool Congress government under Lakshmir Bhandar, a widely used direct benefit scheme for women across economic sections.

Adhikari formally launched the new scheme by transferring ₹3,000 each into the bank accounts of 28.25 lakh beneficiaries. The government also announced that the complete list of beneficiaries would be made public to ensure transparency and accountability in the rollout process.

"We transferred the benefits to the bank accounts of 28.25 lakh beneficiaries across the state. From now on, as and when names are approved after verification, they will be included in the list of beneficiaries under Annapurna Yojana," he said.

Officials have indicated that the scheme will continue in phases, with applications and verification determining the final list of beneficiaries under the new system.

However, despite official assurances, concerns are emerging from the ground regarding the transition from Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Bhandar. While the government had earlier stated that existing beneficiaries would continue receiving ₹1,500 until the new system stabilises, several women say payments have become irregular.

Basanti Devi, a train hawker dependent on the monthly assistance, said, "When Mamata Di announced the increase in Lakshmir Bhandar from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500, we received the money the very next month. But after one month of the BJP government, no money has been credited to my account."

Soumali Debnath, who runs a small business, expressed similar anxiety. "I depend on the ₹1,500 every month because it helps support my business. I have already filled out the Annapurna Bhandar form too. But as promised, my Lakshmir Bhandar account has not been credited with ₹1,500," she said.

Earlier, state minister Agnimitra Paul sought to reassure beneficiaries that the transition would be smooth and automatic for existing recipients.

"There is no need to apply again. Those who used to receive Lakshmir Bhandar will have their names transferred to Annapurna Bhandar. Direct bank transfers will be made. For those who have not received it so far, a portal will be launched very soon where they can apply," she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the verification-driven approach, stating that the restructuring was necessary to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries remained in the system.

"As we found lakhs of ineligible beneficiaries on the Lakshmir Bhandar list, we had to introduce the application form. Beneficiaries should not worry, as forms will be available at BDO, SDO, DM, borough, and municipality offices. For those who cannot travel to fill out the forms, the government will send officials to their homes to assist them," he said.

The opposition has strongly criticised the rollout process, raising concerns about complexity and confusion among beneficiaries.

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said, "BJP workers went door-to-door promising ₹3,000 if forms were filled out. Now they have suddenly introduced a 12-page form asking endless questions. What explanation are they giving now?"

CPM leader Dipshita Dhar also flagged concerns about eligibility and documentation. "Many beneficiaries who expected a seamless transition from Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Bhandar are now worried that documentation gaps or technical errors could jeopardise their eligibility," she said.

The BJP government has clarified that those who fail to submit applications within the stipulated period will continue receiving ₹1,500 under Lakshmir Bhandar until verification is completed. The enhanced ₹3,000 benefit will be released only after approval.

However, uncertainty persists on the ground. While some women welcome the promise of higher financial assistance, others say the disruption in payments has created immediate hardship.

For many households, the concern is not just about the promised increase, but also about the continuity of support that helps them manage basic expenses each month.

A homemaker from a lower-middle-class family summed up the sentiment, saying, "We don't need ₹3,000 right now. First, give us back our ₹1,500."