The West Bengal government will begin the application process for the newly announced Annapurna Yojana from June 1. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that forms for the scheme can be filled both online and offline over the next three months.
The announcement was made from Nabanna, where the Chief Minister said all existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will have to submit the new form to continue the enrolment process under the Annapurna Yojana.
He also assured that no beneficiary would lose financial assistance during the transition period.
“Until a beneficiary is included under Annapurna Yojana, they will continue receiving Lakshmir Bhandar assistance,” the Chief Minister said.
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Where to get Annapurna yojana forms?
According to the announcement, application forms will be available at BDO offices and municipalities across the state. Officials will also carry out door-to-door verification during the process.
The state government said senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary, will supervise the implementation work. Personnel associated with Aadhaar-related services and voter list preparation will also be involved.
Door-to-door assistance for applicants
The government said assistance will be provided to people unable to complete the application process on their own.
Officials will visit homes to help eligible residents fill out forms. Newly elected MLAs are also expected to support the enrolment drive.
The administration clarified that only eligible beneficiaries will receive benefits under the scheme. The forms will collect details about beneficiaries’ families so that they may also be linked to other welfare schemes in future.
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Jankalyan camps scheduled in June
To support the registration process, ‘Jankalyan Camps’ will be organised on June 15, 16 and 17. Applicants can seek help regarding form submission and verification at these camps.
At present, around 2.2 crore people are receiving benefits under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
However, the government indicated that after the SIR process, nearly 30 lakh names of deceased, fake or relocated beneficiaries could be removed from the list. At the same time, fresh applications are expected to be submitted.
‘Fake beneficiaries will be removed’
The Chief Minister said all Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries must complete the Annapurna Yojana form-fill up process.
He added that enrolment under the new scheme would happen gradually and advised people not to rush while applying.
“We had thought the list was verified. But many complaints have come in. Fake beneficiaries and non-Indians will definitely be removed. To maintain transparency, only eligible people will receive the money. This scheme is meant for them,” the Chief Minister said.
