Kolkata
Annapurna Yojana Launched, Nearly Two Crore People Expected to Benefit
The West Bengal government formally launched the Annapurna Yojana on Wednesday, with eligible beneficiaries beginning to receive ₹3,000 directly into their bank accounts. The scheme is expected to benefit nearly two crore people across the state, with over 28 lakh beneficiaries covered in the initial phase.
West Bengal’s flagship social security initiative, the Annapurna Yojana, was formally launched on Wednesday at Nabanna, the state secretariat.
The scheme was inaugurated by Agnimitra Paul, who holds the portfolios of Urban Development and Women, Child Development and Social Welfare. The event was attended by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Under the first phase of implementation, eligible beneficiaries will begin receiving ₹3,000 directly into their bank accounts through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. According to the government, nearly two crore people are expected to benefit from the scheme once it is fully rolled out.
Initially, the financial assistance will be credited to the accounts of more than 28 lakh beneficiaries. Officials stated that beneficiary lists will be updated every seven days to include additional eligible applicants.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Adhikari credited state administration officials for enabling the rapid implementation of the programme. Minister Agnimitra Paul said the government is exercising enhanced scrutiny while processing applications due to alleged irregularities detected in the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
As part of the launch, sanction letters are being distributed to 100 selected beneficiaries in each block and municipal area across the state. Additionally, 100 beneficiaries within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area will also receive sanction approvals.
Officials said beneficiary lists were finalized based on recommendations submitted by Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), Block Development Officers (BDOs), and municipal authorities after verification procedures.
The scheme is open to women between the ages of 25 and 60 years. Beneficiaries have been provided a 90-day window to complete registration and enrollment formalities.
The launch of Annapurna Yojana is expected to strengthen the state’s social welfare framework by providing direct financial support to eligible women and economically vulnerable households.
