1 week ago
Bengal Annapurna Protests Spark Clash Over Welfare Culture
Many women in West Bengal protested because they said they had not received money promised under the Annapurna Yojana.
The scheme was supposed to provide Rs 3,000 each month.
Minister Dilip Ghosh said the earlier Trinamool Congress government made people expect benefits for everyone.
He said only people who meet the official rules should receive assistance.
Minister Agnimitra Paul said many applications were still waiting to be processed.
She asked the protesters to give officials more time.
Some protests blocked railway tracks and took place outside government offices.
Police and officials worked to end the blockades.
An ICDS worker also reported being harassed while helping survey applicants.
Women across West Bengal protested alleged non-payment of the promised Rs 3,000 monthly Annapurna Yojana assistance.
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh blamed the former Trinamool Congress government for creating a “charity culture.”
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said applications from 2 crore women remained pending and urged protesters to be patient.
Protests included railway blockades and demonstrations outside municipal and block offices in the 24 Parganas districts.
An ICDS worker was allegedly harassed in Basirhat, prompting workers to seek security from officials.
- Who
- Women seeking Annapurna Yojana assistance, West Bengal ministers Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul, protesters, officials, and ICDS workers.
- What
- Protests over alleged non-payment of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance under the Annapurna Yojana, alongside political criticism and clashes involving officials.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including the 24 Parganas districts, Sonarpur, North Dum Dum, Birati, and Basirhat 1 block.
- When
- The main protests occurred on Friday; Dilip Ghosh made his remarks on Saturday.
- Why
- Protesters said they had not received promised funds, while the government said applications were pending and benefits depended on eligibility criteria.
Government Explanation
Protesters’ Concerns
Reason for missing payments
Government Explanation
Agnimitra Paul said many applications were still pending and needed time to be uploaded, while officials said benefits would go only to people meeting the criteria.
Protesters’ Concerns
Women protesters said they had not received the assistance promised under the Annapurna Yojana.
Political responsibility
Government Explanation
Dilip Ghosh blamed the former Trinamool Congress government for creating a habit of expecting charity, and Agnimitra Paul alleged that the former ruling party was involved in unrest in some places.
Protesters’ Concerns
The protests focused on the current government’s failure, as alleged by beneficiaries, to deliver the promised monthly funds.
Handling the protests
Government Explanation
Officials and police moved to end railway blockades, while the government deployed RAF in Sonarpur and ministers asked protesters to be patient.
Protesters’ Concerns
Protesters intensified demonstrations at government offices and railway tracks, with some alleging indecent behaviour by municipal employees when they submitted complaints.
Key facts
- Promised assistance
- Rs 3,000 per month under the Annapurna Yojana.
- Pending applications
- Agnimitra Paul said applications from 2 crore women were still pending.
- Rejected applications
- A related report headline stated that 17 lakh Annapurna Yojana names had been rejected and that Bengal outlined a reapplication process.
- Political criticism
- Dilip Ghosh blamed the former Trinamool Congress government’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme for encouraging expectations of universal benefits.
- Protest actions
- Women protested outside municipalities and block offices and blocked railway tracks in parts of North 24 Parganas.
- Security deployment
- The government deployed the RAF in Sonarpur as tensions rose.
- Worker incident
- ICDS worker Preeti Das was allegedly harassed in the Gacha Akharpur gram panchayat area and later sought security.
Quotes
Agnimitra Paul
West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister
“It has become a habit due to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. It should be understood that not all benefits are for everyone… The Central government has launched many schemes. The state government has also done so. There is a limit to that. Criteria have been set for it. Those who fall within it will receive it.”
indianexpress.com
“In the background of the unrest, the hand of the former ruling party (TMC) is present in some places. My mothers and sisters will have to be a little patient. If the application forms of 2 crore women are still pending, it will take some time to upload them as well. That time must be given.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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