September 17 has marked a significant moment for eligible women in West Bengal as the state commemorated Annapurna Diwas, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On this special occasion, monthly financial payouts under the Annapurna Scheme were directly remitted into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Designed to offer hassle-free monetary assistance, the initiative ensures that women do not need to visit any administrative offices or clear bureaucratic hurdles to receive their funds, as payments are credited directly through electronic transfers.
Rapid Expansion of Beneficiary Base Over Recent Months
The outreach of the Annapurna Scheme has expanded substantially since its initial phases. Official figures reveal that in June, the scheme provided financial aid to approximately 28 lakh women across the state. By July, this coverage experienced a sharp increase, expanding to reach nearly 1.19 crore beneficiaries. Continuing this upward trajectory, around 10 lakh additional eligible women were brought into the fold in September. With this latest inclusion, the cumulative number of women benefiting from the initiative has climbed to nearly 1.58 crore.
Annual Support of ₹36,000 to Empower Households
Under the financial framework of the Annapurna Scheme, each eligible woman receives a direct payment of ₹3,000 per month. Spread over a twelve-month period, this translates to an annual financial support of ₹36,000 per recipient. The direct bank transfer mechanism guarantees complete transparency, preventing leakages and delays. For millions of households across West Bengal, this recurring financial aid serves as crucial support for managing everyday living expenses and enhancing household economic stability.
