Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Modi Flags Delays as Bengal Transfers Annapurna Cash to Women
The Bengal government gives eligible women Rs 3,000 every month through the Annapurna Yojana.
Money for the September payment was sent to most of the 1.58 crore women enrolled in the scheme.
The remaining payments were expected to be completed by the end of the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the program during a virtual speech.
He said the money could help families pay for education, medicines, and household needs.
Modi also said some central-government benefits had been delayed in Bengal in the past.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said September 17 would become Annapurna Divas every year.
He also spoke about housing, crimes against women, teenage marriage, and teenage pregnancy.
The Bengal government transferred September payments to most of 1.58 crore Annapurna Yojana beneficiaries.
The scheme provides eligible women with Rs 3,000 monthly through direct bank transfers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said delays in central-scheme benefits had harmed poor families in Bengal.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said September 17 will be observed annually as Annapurna Divas.
Adhikari also announced plans involving 50 lakh PM Awaas Yojana beneficiaries and women-owned homes.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and 1.58 crore Annapurna Yojana beneficiaries.
- What
- The Bengal government transferred Annapurna Yojana payments and announced an annual Annapurna Divas.
- When
- The payments were made on September 17, identified as Modi's birthday; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- At a programme in Salt Lake, Kolkata, with a virtual address by Modi.
- Why
- The scheme is intended to provide eligible women financial support and strengthen their confidence and household security.
BJP Government Position
Earlier-Administration Accountability
Delays in welfare benefits
BJP Government Position
Narendra Modi said benefits from several central schemes had not reached Bengal residents on time and claimed the BJP government was accelerating stalled schemes.
Earlier-Administration Accountability
The article does not include a response from the previous Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government; Modi's remarks implicitly criticized the earlier administration's handling of central-scheme benefits.
Women’s welfare and safety
BJP Government Position
The BJP government presented Annapurna payments, women-owned housing, and action against atrocities as measures to improve women’s security and independence.
Earlier-Administration Accountability
Adhikari highlighted continuing challenges, including teenage marriage, teenage pregnancy, and crimes against women, particularly in Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas.
- Monthly assistance
- Rs 3,000 per eligible woman.
- Beneficiaries
- 1.58 crore women.
- Payment method
- Direct bank transfers.
- Payment status
- Most September instalments had been transferred, with the rest expected by the end of the day.
- Annapurna Divas
- September 17 will be observed annually in Bengal.
- Housing announcement
- A list of 50 lakh Bengal beneficiaries is being prepared under PM Awaas Yojana, with new homes to be owned by women.
- Women’s safety
- A commission headed by retired Justice Samapti Chatterjee was set up to inquire into atrocities against women.