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Annapurna Yojana rejection: CM Adhikari details how women can reapply for Rs 3,000 scheme
Defending the Bengal government’s decision to require new application forms and thorough background checks, CM Suvendu Adhikari claimed there were significant irregularities in the older records.
Suvendu Adhikari said a dedicated claim and objection portal will open August 19, allowing rejected applicants to reapply and report ineligible beneficiaries.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Tuesday announced that the state government will open a dedicated ‘claim and objection’ portal for Annapurna Yojana for women Wednesday. The portal will allow rejected applicants to reapply for the Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance scheme while enabling citizens to flag ineligible beneficiaries receiving the grant.
The announcement came during two felicitations organised by the BJP’s Mahila Morcha in Kolkata, where recipients gathered to thank the Chief Minister. To date, 1.45 crore women in Bengal have been enrolled as beneficiaries, while 17 lakh applications have been rejected and 14 lakh remain under verification.
Addressing a gathering at the Dhanadhanya Auditorium in South Kolkata, Chief Minister Adhikari detailed the scheme’s coverage and rules.
“At present, 1.45 crore women aged between 25 and 60 years are benefiting from the scheme. Barring specific exclusions, such as families with permanent government employees or an annual income exceeding Rs 12 lakh, we are providing Rs 3,000 to all women.”
“Those who somehow missed out can place their claim through the portal, and anyone wishing to flag undeserving recipients can alert us. Deprived applicants do not need to fill out new forms; they simply need to register their claim or complaint using their form number and bank account details. If you see anyone earning Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh monthly receiving the benefit, please report it so we can correct the list. Our Mahila Morcha will also conduct door-to-door visits to ensure no genuine applicant is left out.”
Defending the state government’s decision to mandate fresh application forms and rigorous background checks rather than reusing the previous administration’s Lakshmir Bhandar recipient database, Adhikari alleged widespread irregularities in the older records.
“Many asked why we did not carry forward the Lakshmir Bhandar list. First, BJP supporters and workers in areas won by the BJP were deliberately denied access. Secondly, that list included nearly 3 lakh male beneficiaries, non-citizens, and deceased individuals drawing funds. Government funds cannot be misused.”
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CM Adhikari noted that disbursements began with 28 lakh women in June, expanded to 1.28 crore in July, and reached 1.45 crore this month following relaxed evaluation norms. Funds for August are scheduled to reach beneficiary bank accounts by August 20.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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