Around 30 lakh illegal beneficiaries, including males, were found receiving monthly amounts under West Bengal’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, as revealed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. These individuals will be excluded, with others automatically shifted to the Annapurna Yojana scheme, offering a higher monthly allowance of Rs 3,000. The Chief Minister urged prompt enrollment for the new scheme, which provides benefits offline and online.
The transition to Annapurna Yojana will not affect legal beneficiaries currently under Lakshmir Bhandar until they are moved. An enrollment portal for the new scheme was launched, allowing beneficiaries to register. Additionally, state employees will assist in filling forms at beneficiaries’ doorsteps, ensuring a smooth process. The enrollment period will span three months, as emphasized by the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Adhikari specified that only Indian women meeting certain criteria would receive allowances under Annapurna Yojana. Notably, non-Indians, taxpayers, and government employees are ineligible for this scheme. He highlighted the presence of illegal beneficiaries, including immigrants and males, in the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, necessitating a shift to Annapurna Yojana. The government aims to rectify discrepancies and ensure benefits reach deserving recipients.
