Bengal Cabinet Clears Annapurna Scheme and Free Travel Facility for Women

After forming the new BJP government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari took several major decisions during the second cabinet meeting held on Monday. The meeting focused mainly on women’s welfare, employee benefits, and changes in government support schemes. Following the meeting, Women and Child Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul announced the key decisions during a press briefing. One of the biggest announcements was the approval of the “Annapurna” scheme, under which eligible women in West Bengal will receive monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 starting from June 1. The government said the scheme aims to strengthen financial support for women and improve their daily lives. Women who are already beneficiaries of the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will automatically be included in the Annapurna scheme. For women who have not yet registered, the government plans to launch a dedicated online portal soon. Another important decision was the introduction of free bus travel for women across the state from June 1. The Bengal government believes this move will provide economic relief to millions of women who depend on public transport for work, education, and daily travel. The cabinet also approved the formation of the 7th State Pay Commission for state government employees, educational institutions, and affiliated statutory bodies. This decision is expected to pave the way for salary and allowance revisions for government workers in the coming period. Apart from welfare-related decisions, the government also announced a major policy shift regarding religion-based financial assistance schemes. According to Minister Agnimitra Paul, aid programs operated through the Madrasa Department and the Information and Cultural Department will continue only until this month and will be discontinued from next month onward. The government also clarified that applicants who have applied under the CAA and whose cases are pending before tribunals will also be eligible to receive benefits under the Annapurna scheme. These decisions come shortly after the BJP government’s first cabinet meeting, where major announcements such as the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and adoption of the new Indian penal laws in West Bengal were approved. The latest cabinet meeting highlights the government’s attempt to focus on women’s welfare, employee reforms, and administrative changes early in its tenure.