Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led West Bengal government of reneging on its pre-poll promise of Annapurna Bhandar assistance for women and excluding beneficiaries through eligibility rules. She claimed payments to many former Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries were stopped or withheld, triggering protests
The Delhi High Court sought an explanation from the BJP-led Delhi government over mandatory MP or MLA endorsement for women seeking Rs 2,500 monthly assistance under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana. The court questioned the requirement's rationale and termed a scheme without rationale potentially arbitrary
The West Bengal government has allocated Rs 36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana in its 2026-27 budget. Budget estimates indicate coverage of one crore women beneficiaries, lower than the 2.4 crore beneficiaries claimed under the previous Lakshmir Bhandar welfare scheme
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the first phase of Annapurna Yojana payments will begin on June 3, with eligible women receiving Rs 3,000 directly into bank accounts. Officials will assist applicants door-to-door to ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries
