Bengal cabinet approves 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1

KOLKATA: (May 18) The West Bengal cabinet on Monday approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1, and allowed free travel for them in government-run buses from the next month.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting at the state secretariat Nabanna, minister Agnimitra Paul said women, who applied for citizenship under the CAA and approached tribunals for inclusion in voter rolls in the wake of the SIR exercise, will also receive 'Annapurna' scheme benefits.

"The cabinet gave a nod to the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1. It also approved a proposal to allow free travel for women in government-run buses from next month," she said after the second meeting of the state council of ministers