West Bengal's newly formed BJP government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the launch of the Annapurna Bhandaar scheme, a significant welfare initiative aimed at providing financial support to women across the state. The scheme promises a monthly direct bank transfer of ₹3,000 to eligible women, effectively doubling the assistance offered by the previous state government's program.
Key Details of Annapurna Bhandaar
The decision to roll out Annapurna Bhandaar was made during the first cabinet meeting of the new government, chaired by Chief Minister Adhikari. Officials have been directed to ensure the scheme's implementation commences from June 1. This proposal was a central promise made by the BJP during the recent West Bengal Assembly polls.
- Financial Assistance: Eligible women will receive ₹3,000 per month directly into their bank accounts.
- Target Beneficiaries: The scheme aims to support women from low and middle-income households across West Bengal.
- Implementation Date: Officials are tasked with launching the scheme on June 1.
Replacing Lakshmir Bhandar
The Annapurna Bhandaar scheme is positioned as a direct replacement for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which was introduced by the former All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. Under the previous scheme, women from the general category received ₹1,500 per month, while those from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households received ₹1,700 monthly. The new BJP initiative significantly increases this financial aid.
Other Major Decisions from First Cabinet Meeting
Beyond the Annapurna Bhandaar scheme, Chief Minister Adhikari's first cabinet meeting addressed several other critical issues and announced new policies for West Bengal:
- Free Bus Travel for Women: Women will be able to travel free on state-run buses starting next month.
- Border Security: The government will transfer land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for enhanced border fencing, aiming to resolve issues related to illegal immigration.
- Legal Reforms: Discussions included the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a new set of criminal laws.
- Central Scheme Integration: West Bengal will now integrate with several flagship central government programs. These include the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance, PM SHRI Schools, and PM Vishwakarma for artisans. Additionally, the state will roll out Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 3.0, offering subsidized cooking gas connections.
This series of announcements marks a significant policy shift in West Bengal, following the BJP's victory and the end of the TMC's 15-year tenure in the state. Suvendu Adhikari's assumption of office as the ninth Chief Minister on Saturday signifies a new political era for West Bengal.