Concerns Rise Over Payments in West Bengal's Annapurna Scheme

Issues Surrounding the Annapurna Scheme

In West Bengal, beneficiaries of the Annapurna scheme are raising questions regarding the disbursement of funds and the status of their applications. This initiative aims to provide eligible women with a monthly financial aid of ₹3,000 directly deposited into their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Since its launch in June 2026, numerous women have received payments in various installments.

When was the September installment released?

The government announced on September 17 that the payments for September would be processed. However, many beneficiaries reported that they had not received the funds in their accounts. Protests erupted in Howrah on September 19, where officials explained that delays were due to issues related to DBT links and documentation.

Why were applications rejected?

During a government review, a significant number of applications were found to have deficiencies in documentation and identification. Reports indicate that approximately 1.7 million applications were either rejected or put on hold due to issues linked to Aadhaar. Discrepancies in identification details and bank records were also noted.

Additionally, errors in names, birth dates, or bank account information, as well as failure to link bank accounts to DBT, could hinder payments.

Concerns over 2.6 million applications previously raised

At the scheme's inception, around 2.6 million applications were reportedly rejected due to names not appearing on the voter list. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari emphasized the necessity of screening applications at that time.

Opportunity for rejected applicants

The government later announced a re-evaluation of rejected applications and the possibility for new submissions. According to reports, applicants facing issues with Aadhaar or other documents may have the chance to rectify their information and undergo re-verification.

The government has also indicated that new applications will be accepted in the future. In early September, Shubhendu Adhikari mentioned that opportunities for reapplication would be available in November-December.

What should beneficiaries do if they haven't received funds?

Beneficiaries who have not yet received their payments should first check the status of their applications and bank account details. It is crucial to verify any errors in Aadhaar information, names, birth dates, and the linking of bank accounts to DBT, as these could affect payment processing.

The reasons for delays in the Annapurna scheme payments can vary. Some applications are still under verification, while others have been halted or rejected due to documentation or eligibility issues. The government has committed to continuing the review process for eligible applicants and those wrongfully rejected.