Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.): The West Bengal government has clarified that women who file Income Tax returns will not be eligible to avail benefits under the Annapurna Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at providing direct financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections.

According to officials, the decision has been taken to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach genuinely needy beneficiaries and low-income households across the state. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive direct financial assistance of Rs 3,000 through bank transfers.

Officials on Wednesday morning said the exclusion of Income Tax payers forms part of the eligibility criteria framed to prevent financially well-off individuals from availing benefits meant for vulnerable sections of society.

The state government maintained that the Annapurna Yojana is a key component of its broader welfare agenda focused on strengthening the financial security of women and extending economic support to disadvantaged families.

Authorities are also expected to issue detailed guidelines in the coming days regarding verification procedures for applicants, including scrutiny of Income Tax records and other financial documents before approval of beneficiaries.

During the previous All India Trinamool Congress government, women beneficiaries under welfare schemes were entitled to receive financial assistance ranging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,700. The revised scheme is being projected as an expanded support initiative for eligible women in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh