Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday claimed that approximately 30 lakh beneficiaries of the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme were ineligible, alleging they were either non-Indians or had their names permanently removed from the voter list. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a financial assistance program for women, was launched by the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Introduced
Adhikari also unveiled the application form for the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, announced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which aims to provide Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women in the state. Addressing a press conference at the state administrative headquarters, Nabanna, he detailed the alleged irregularities in the earlier scheme.
Allegations of Ineligibility
The chief minister stated that approximately 30 lakh beneficiaries were receiving assistance under Lakshmir Bhandar despite being ineligible, as their names had been permanently deleted from the voter list. He added that these individuals had neither approached a Special Identity Register (SIR)-linked tribunal nor applied for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for inclusion.
Exemptions for Certain Applicants
Adhikari clarified that applicants under the CAA and those who had appealed before an SIR-linked tribunal following adjudication for inclusion in the voter list would remain eligible for the proposed Annapurna Bhandar scheme.
Background of the Schemes
The BJP had promised in its manifesto to introduce the Annapurna Bhandar scheme as a replacement for the Mamata Banerjee government's Lakshmir Bhandar program. Under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, women in the general category received Rs 1,500 per month, while women belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories were given Rs 1,700 per month.
Verification Process Underway
Adhikari noted that the initial assumption was that the Lakshmir Bhandar list had been verified. However, the government introduced an application form on Wednesday for prospective beneficiaries. Verification will be carried out under the guidance of Women's Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul and the supervision of the state's chief secretary and finance secretary.
Continuation of Existing Benefits
Since the verification process will take time, existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will continue to receive financial assistance under the earlier program in the meantime.
