Protests over the Annapurna Bhandar scheme have intensified in West Bengal as women block roads and rail tracks. While payouts have doubled, the number of beneficiaries has plummeted by 70 lakh, sparking political warfare.
- Beneficiaries of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme have dropped by 70 lakh.
- Protesters have blocked national highways and railway tracks across West Bengal.
- BJP faces accusations of failing to fulfill election promises.
- TMC has labeled the scheme a 'jumla' (false promise).
Protests have erupted across various corners of West Bengal as women demand clarity and inclusion under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme. The agitation has escalated significantly, with protesters taking their grievances directly to the doorsteps of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and ministers. On Friday, State Minister Agnimitra Paul was forced to halt an administrative meeting at the District Magistrate's office in Midnapore to address the angry crowd of women. Similar scenes were reported in Cooch Behar at the residence of Minister Malati Rava Roy.
Widespread Civil Disruption
The scale of the protest is massive, spanning multiple districts including Paschim Medinipur, North 24-Parganas, and Alipurduar. In Birati, protesters successfully blocked railway tracks, while in Falakata, the National Highway-31 was obstructed. Middle-aged women have been seen staging demonstrations outside various Block Development Offices (BDOs), highlighting a widespread sense of exclusion from the state's welfare net.
The Numbers Game: More Money, Fewer Women
The core of the controversy lies in the discrepancy between the scheme's increased payout and its shrinking beneficiary base. During the assembly election campaign, the BJP promised to double the monthly cash incentive for women. While the amount has indeed been doubled under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, the total number of recipients has seen a drastic decline. Under the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration, approximately 2.2 crore women received ₹1,500 per month. Currently, only about 1.45 crore women are receiving benefits—a staggering 70 lakh fewer than before.
| Metric | TMC Regime | BJP Government (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payout | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 (Doubled) |
| Total Beneficiaries | ~2.2 Crore | ~1.45 Crore |
| Net Difference | - | 70 Lakh Decrease |
Political Firestorm
The political landscape in Bengal has turned volatile following these developments. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has dismissed the protests as politically orchestrated by the Opposition to create 'media trials.' He asserted that the number of beneficiaries has been steadily rising from June to August. Conversely, the Trinamool Congress has lashed out at the BJP, calling the scheme a 'JUMLA' and accusing the government of toying with the lives of millions of women through false promises.
The paradox of increased individual benefits alongside a massive reduction in total beneficiaries creates a significant political vulnerability for the ruling administration.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this issue transcends simple economics; it is a battle over the credibility of welfare politics in West Bengal. The shrinking beneficiary pool suggests stringent new eligibility criteria that may be disenfranchising millions of women who previously relied on state support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why are women protesting in West Bengal?
Answer: They are protesting because although the cash amount has doubled, millions of women have been excluded from the Annapurna Bhandar scheme.
Question 2: What is the TMC's stance on the scheme?
Answer: The TMC claims the scheme is a 'jumla' and that the BJP has failed to deliver on its election promises.
