Annapurna

Nearly 30 lakh Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries may be ineligible for the new annapurna Yojana, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari citing deceased, bogus, or removed voters. The new scheme offers Rs 3,000, doubling the previous dole. A verification drive is underway, with existing beneficiaries continuing support during the transition.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari claimed approximately 30 lakh beneficiaries of the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme are ineligible, citing permanent deletion from voter lists or non-Indian status. He announced the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, offering Rs 3,000 monthly to eligible women, and introduced a new application form for it.

Women are flocking to banks and post offices to link their Aadhaar and mobile numbers for the state's new annapurna Yojana, set to launch on June 1. This scheme will directly credit Rs 3,000 monthly to Aadhaar-linked accounts, migrating existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries. New applicants can apply online from June 1.

Annapurna Studios, backed by Nagarjuna Akkineni, has officially declared its allegiance to the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce's decisions amidst industry disputes. The prominent production house, a member of key film bodies, aims for a balanced approach while actively expanding its distribution of diverse content, including upcoming Tamil and Kannada releases.

West Bengal's new cabinet, led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, has decided to end religious-based government aid from June. A new 'Annapurna' scheme will provide Rs 3,000 monthly to eligible women, who will also get free bus travel. The state will also review its OBC list and form a new Pay Commission.

Odia cuisine was showcased at the Indian Food Festival in Ingolstadt, Germany, with 15 delicacies including the annapurna Odia thali and dahibara aloodum. Organized by Shree Jagannatha Seva Germany and Odia European Society, the event highlighted Odisha's culinary heritage. Proceeds will support the upcoming Rath Yatra.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari unveiled significant welfare initiatives, including subsidised fish-rice meals for Rs 5 at 400 canteens and Rs 3,000 monthly financial aid for women under the annapurna Yojana. New regulations will restrict liquor shops within a kilometre of educational and religious sites, reinforcing a commitment to the rule of law over personal rule.

Union Minister annapurna Devi has slammed the Jharkhand government for its alleged insensitivity towards women's safety and justice, citing the failure to establish a state women's commission after seven years. She highlighted frequent crimes against women and the lack of recourse.

The BJP government has also done away with the exisiting state OBC list in accordance with the Calcutta high court judgement and would set up a panel to decide quota eligibility. Last year on July 28, however, the CJI-led bench of the Supreme Court had vacated high court's stay on implementation of the new OBC list that had a total of 140 sub-groups under OBC-A and OBC-B categories, including 80 belonging to the Muslim community.

West Bengal's new BJP government is enacting swift policy changes, replacing TMC schemes with central programs like Ayushman Bharat and annapurna Yojna. Mandatory 'Vande Mataram' in schools, revised OBC reservations, and increased age limits for government jobs are among the key decisions. The administration is also scrutinizing caste certificates and initiating corruption probes.