Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Implementation Proceeds Exactly as Promised. The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is set to launch on June 1st. Under this initiative, a sum of ₹3,000 will be deposited directly into the bank account of every eligible woman. This follows through on a promise made by the BJP prior to assuming power: that upon forming the government, they would discontinue the existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, launch the Annapurna Bhandar in its place, and double the monthly stipend. Consequently, failure to complete certain essential formalities will result in beneficiaries missing out on the ₹3,000 payout from the Annapurna Bhandar scheme.
Implementation is proceeding exactly as promised. The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is set to launch on June 1st. Under this initiative, a sum of ₹3,000 will be deposited directly into the bank account of every eligible woman. This follows through on a promise made by the BJP prior to assuming power: that upon forming the government, they would discontinue the existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, launch the Annapurna Bhandar in its place, and double the monthly stipend. Consequently, failure to complete certain essential formalities will result in beneficiaries missing out on the ₹3,000 payout from the Annapurna Bhandar scheme.
**Lakshmir Bhandar Discontinued; Annapurna Bhandar Launched**
It is worth noting that in 2021, the then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme for the women of Bengal, initially providing stipends of ₹500 and ₹1,000. Subsequently, these amounts were raised to ₹1,000 and ₹1,200; prior to the recent elections, they were further increased to ₹1,500 and ₹1,700. However, the BJP had pledged that if they returned to power, they would provide a stipend double that of Lakshmir Bhandar—specifically ₹3,000—and introduce a new scheme to that effect. That scheme is the Annapurna Bhandar. True to that promise, the BJP has now formed the government, and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the stipends under this new scheme will begin to be disbursed starting June 1st. **Fail to Complete This Task, and You Won't Receive the Stipend**
However, to receive the funds under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, beneficiaries must strictly keep certain key points in mind. Firstly, the government has explicitly clarified that, much like the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, funds for this project will be disbursed directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Consequently, individuals who do not hold a bank account in their own name will not receive the benefits of this scheme. Furthermore, even those who hold joint accounts or accounts registered in their spouse's name will be ineligible to receive these funds. Most importantly, the bank account must be linked to an Aadhaar number; otherwise, the funds will not be credited. Additionally, to receive the allowance, one must possess a valid Ration Card; failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application. Beyond the Ration Card, all other supporting documents—ranging from the Aadhaar Card and bank passbook to income certificates, proof of residence, and a personal mobile number—must be valid. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding whether fresh applications are required for this scheme. For the time being, it is presumed that the funds for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme will be deposited into the very same bank accounts that previously received the Lakshmir Bhandar disbursements. It now remains to be seen what further directives the government issues in this regard.