The West Bengal government has approved the launch of Annapurna Yojana, under which women in the state will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs. $3000.
The move represents a significant increase from the existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, under which beneficiaries are currently receiving $1,500 per month, while women of scheduled castes and tribes receive a monthly salary $1700. We await further details regarding the implementation of the plan.
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What is Annapurna Yojana?
According to statements made during the campaign, eligible women can receive financial assistance of up to $3,000 per month if the BJP government comes to power in the state.
However, no official notification or detailed government guidelines regarding the scheme have been issued yet.
The proposed scheme is also being compared to existing social welfare programmes, with reports indicating that it may focus on providing monthly financial support to women beneficiaries.
What is Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, launched by the West Bengal government in February 2021, is a flagship social welfare program aimed at providing financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections.
Under this programme, women between the ages of 25 and 60 who are enrolled in the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ program will receive a monthly assistance of Rs. $1,200 for SC/ST beneficiaries and $1000 for others.
The initiative seeks to empower women and enhance their financial independence by supporting their basic household and personal expenses.
BJP poll results are promising in West Bengal
Home Minister Amit Shah announced that women in West Bengal will get citizenship $3,000 per month if the BJP comes to power in the state. He also pledged to reserve a 33% quota for women in all government jobs, including the police force, along with free travel on public transportation.
These promises carry great political significance in West Bengal, where women now represent nearly half of the electorate.
Increased participation of women voters and the popularity of welfare schemes offered by the TMC government, especially Lakshmir Bhandar, have emerged as major electoral strengths for the ruling party.
