State Bureau, Kolkata: The eligible beneficiaries of the 'Annapurna Yojana' in West Bengal will receive the first installment of Rs 3,000 on Wednesday, the state government informed. As per the reports, a meeting of the State Cabinet is scheduled for today during which portfolios will be allocated to the 35 newly sworn-in ministers. The amount is likely to be transferred to the bank accounts of the eligible female beneficiaries after this meeting.
Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured that the first installment will be released on Wednesday. However, he pointed out that the non-eligible women will not continue to receive the payment, adding that a scrutiny process is already underway. The scheme has been introduced by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare to improve the financial condition of women in Bengal.
The government stated that the amount will be directly transferred to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Earlier last month, state minister Agnimitra Paul said women who applied for citizenship under the CAA and approached tribunals for inclusion in the voter list will also receive 'Annapurna' scheme benefits.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria?
- Applicant must be aged between 25 and 60 years
- Should not be an income tax payer
- Must be a resident of West Bengal
- Should not be a government employee
- Must not receive a regular salary or pension from the state or central government
- The applicant should also not receive salary or pension from the statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities, local bodies, or government-aided educational institutions.
The state government has assured that all existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme will be automatically migrated to the Annapurna Yojana. Apart from this, all fresh applications will undergo verification and inquiry by authorised government officials, the government said.