Modi pledges universal coverage for Bengal's Annapurna women welfare scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured that the West Bengal government is determined to provide financial assistance to all eligible women under the Annapurna Yojana without exclusion. Virtually addressing an 'Annapurna Divas' event organised by the state administration, Modi said the BJP government has prioritised welfare schemes targeting mothers, sisters and daughters across the state.

The prime minister noted that implementation of the Annapurna Yojana began shortly after the formation of the government in West Bengal, with beneficiaries now receiving direct cash transfers to their bank accounts. "There are no middlemen and no 'cut money'," Modi said, underscoring the scheme's transparent delivery mechanism.

The government has committed to accelerating the programme's rollout to ensure complete coverage of all qualifying women. Modi said sustained efforts are underway to identify and enrol remaining eligible beneficiaries, with administration working at pace to eliminate gaps in the scheme's implementation.

The Annapurna Yojana, designed to provide direct financial assistance to women, represents a key component of the state's social security framework. The scheme aims to deliver welfare benefits efficiently while maintaining accountability in fund disbursement, officials said.