Kolkata, Aug 2026 : Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals circulating misleading information on social media regarding the state government's Annapurna Bhandar Yojana, asserting that there was no confusion over the implementation of the scheme.
Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna, Adhikari said the government was closely monitoring social media posts that allegedly sought to mislead beneficiaries. He assured eligible women that they would receive the financial assistance after completion of the verification process.
“People are being misled. We are keeping an eye on them. The deserving ones will definitely get the money,” Adhikari said, adding that those responsible for spreading what he described as fake information were being identified.
The Chief Minister specifically named two individuals, Noor Alam and Mehboob, alleging that they were spreading misinformation about the scheme through women. He warned them against continuing such activities and indicated that action could be initiated against those found violating the law.
Adhikari also referred to alleged irregularities in the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme during the previous government, stressing that the current administration would ensure transparency in the disbursement of public funds.
“This is government money. We have taken applications online and offline from June to July 31. Offline applications are being uploaded on the portal. Verification is underway,” he said.
According to the Chief Minister, the government received around 2.16 crore applications before the July 31 deadline. Officials are currently scrutinising the applications to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility criteria and whether the information submitted is accurate.
Adhikari said financial assistance under the scheme would begin reaching beneficiaries' bank accounts from August 17. However, applicants who submitted their forms by July 10 and whose applications were found to be error-free would be prioritised for the initial payment.
Women who applied between July 11 and July 31 may have to wait until the verification process is completed before receiving the benefit, he clarified.
The Chief Minister said a detailed briefing on the scheme would be provided by the concerned department on August 10. He said Minister Malati Rava Roy would address a press conference at 2 p.m. to explain the eligibility criteria and clarify who would qualify for the financial assistance.
Adhikari emphasised that the scheme would be implemented in accordance with financial regulations and the BJP's stated commitments. Women between 25 and 60 years of age would be eligible, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed conditions.
He reiterated that the government was committed to ensuring that benefits reached genuine beneficiaries while preventing misuse of public funds.
Team Maverick
