West Bengal Cabinet Rolls Out 'Annapurna' Scheme and Imposes New Civic Priorities

On Monday, the West Bengal cabinet unveiled the 'Annapurna' scheme, which provides a Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women starting June 1, and sanctioned free government-run bus travel for women from next month.

At a press briefing, Minister Agnimitra Paul emphasized that beneficiaries include women who sought citizenship under the CAA and tribunal intervention for voter roll inclusion post-SIR exercise. The cabinet also approved setting up a 7th state pay commission.

Efforts are underway to revise OBC categorization following judicial directives and enhance civic systems before monsoons. Notably, the government halted religious-based aids, a shift in policy direction.

(With inputs from agencies.)