CM: Annapurna Yojana application forms to be available from today

Kolkata: The process for implementing the state's new Annapurna Yojana would begin on Wednesday, with application forms being set to be released both online and offline, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Tuesday.

After an administrative review meeting in Kalyani, the CM said the govt had initiated the process of converting the existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme into Annapurna Yojana. Allaying apprehension among women, who used to get previous govt's Lakshmir Bhandar aid, he said the existing beneficiaries would continue to get Lakshmir Bhandar payments until the transition to Annapurna Yojana.

"Like we are continuing Swasthya Sathi until its conversion to Ayushman Bharat, Lakshmir Bhandar, too, will continue until the Annapurna Yojana rolls out. People will receive the old scheme benefits until Rs 3,000 under Annapurna Yojana starts reaching their accounts. The process for Annapurna Yojana begins on Wednesday," Adhikari said.

Adhikari said Annapurna forms, to be released from Nabanna on Wednesday, would be available both online and offline, and beneficiaries would have to fill them up to get benefits. "On Wednesday, in the presence of the minister concerned, chief secretary, finance secretary and other officials at Nabanna, Agnimitra Paul and I will release the Annapurna Yojana form. Detailed guidelines will be announced," Adhikari said.

According to sources, the govt aimed at starting the transfer of funds to beneficiaries' bank accounts from June 1. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries are expected to receive Rs 3,000 a month.

"MLAs will help fill up forms, while the govt will send personnel under the leadership of BDOs door-to-door to assist households," the CM said.

He added: "Only Indian citizens will be eligible. Govt of India's funds are not meant for illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh."