The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shubhendu Adhikari, announced multiple welfare measures for women, low-income families and youth in the state on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after an administrative meeting in Kalyani, Nadia district, the Chief Minister said the state government would soon launch the “Annapurna Yojana”, under which eligible women would receive ₹3,000 every month directly in their bank accounts. Application forms for the scheme will be issued from May 27.
The Chief Minister said the objective of the Annapurna Yojana is to strengthen women economically and enhance their financial security at the household level. He stated that once the application process begins, ₹3,000 per month will be transferred to the accounts of eligible women. According to the government, the scheme aims to promote self-reliance among women and reduce economic pressure. The Chief Minister further said the initiative is intended not only as financial assistance but also as an effort to strengthen women socially and financially.
The Chief Minister also announced a subsidised meal initiative for low-income and poor households in the state. He said the West Bengal government would provide fish and rice meals at a cost of ₹5, twice a week, through nearly 400 special canteens across the state. According to the government, the initiative is aimed at making nutritious food available to poor families and workers at affordable prices.
The Chief Minister announced restrictions on liquor outlets, stating that permission would not be granted for new liquor shops within a one-kilometre radius of schools, colleges, temples and other religious places. According to the state government, the measure is intended to keep youth away from substance abuse and maintain social balance in sensitive areas. Some social organisations welcomed the decision, while certain business groups linked to the liquor trade expressed concern that it could affect commercial activity. The government said public interest and social safety would be prioritised.
The Chief Minister also announced that the West Bengal government is preparing to establish an independent AYUSH department separate from the Health Department. According to the government, the department will promote traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. The government stated that demand for alternative systems of treatment has been increasing and that people should have access to more healthcare options. Experts cited in the source said the move could expand employment and research opportunities in traditional medicine.
The Chief Minister’s “Janata Darbar” also remained a focus of attention alongside these announcements. A large number of people attended the second Janata Darbar held on Monday, seeking solutions to grievances and demands. Long queues formed from the morning outside the BJP state office in Salt Lake, where youth seeking jobs, teachers, nurses, women preparing for police recruitment and elderly citizens arrived with complaints and requests. Several attendees carried files and documents, while others came seeking solutions to issues pending for years. Slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Shri Ram” were raised after the Chief Minister arrived. Political analysts cited in the source said the Janata Darbar was being used to strengthen direct engagement between the government and the public and reinforce the administration’s image.
The announcements by the Chief Minister are also being viewed in political terms, according to political analysts cited in the source. Direct financial assistance for women, subsidised meals and public outreach initiatives such as the Janata Darbar are being seen as efforts to expand the government’s outreach among citizens. Experts cited in the source said cash assistance schemes for women have played a role in electoral politics in several Indian states, while subsidised food initiatives and direct engagement with youth are being viewed as part of efforts to strengthen public support.
According to the source, the West Bengal government is seeking to present itself as a model of welfare-oriented and public outreach-based governance through measures such as financial support for women, subsidised food schemes and the promotion of traditional healthcare systems. The source states that the implementation and impact of these measures at the ground level, as well as their political effect, will become clearer in the coming months.
