Suvendu Adhikari Identifies Ineligible Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries and Launches New Scheme

Suvendu Adhikari announced that approximately 30 lakh beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme were ineligible. To address this, the Annapurna Bhandar scheme will replace it, providing financial assistance to eligible women. The enrolment process ensures transparency with verification by officials, aiming to benefit financially weaker sections.

Suvendu Adhikari, addressing the need for accurate beneficiary lists, highlighted concerns about the ineligibility of around 30 lakh participants of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. This initiative, established by the previous TMC government, had listed individuals as beneficiaries whose names were removed from voter lists or who were non-citizens.

In an effort to rectify this, Adhikari introduced the Annapurna Bhandar scheme offering Rs 3,000 a month to eligible women. The enrolment process, which includes a newly introduced form, aims to ensure that only verified, eligible candidates benefit from the scheme. The previous scheme's beneficiaries will continue to receive assistance until enrolment for the Annapurna scheme is completed.

Furthermore, the government plans a comprehensive enrolment drive involving district officials and Aadhaar coordinators to validate the lists. Until the transition is finalized, the benefits of Lakshmir Bhandar will remain available, guaranteeing no disruption for current recipients.

Additional plans include the commencement of Ayushman Bharat healthcare cards in July, aligning with Central government approvals, ensuring continued health coverage under existing state schemes like Swasthya Sathi.