New Delhi, 17 September (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Annapurna Scheme is an important initiative aimed at strengthening the confidence of women in Bengal. Under the scheme, the fourth instalment is being credited to the bank accounts of around 1.5 crore women on Thursday. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 3,000 every month, enabling them to meet essential household expenses without having to depend on anyone else.

Addressing an event organised in West Bengal on Annapurna Day through a video message, the Prime Minister said mothers and sisters shoulder numerous responsibilities within their households. When concerns over essential expenses are reduced, their confidence also grows. The Annapurna Scheme, he said, is an important step towards economically empowering the women of Bengal with this very objective in mind.

He said the scheme’s funds are being transferred directly into women’s bank accounts, eliminating the need for them to approach anyone to receive the benefit. He emphasised that there is neither any ‘cut money’ nor any middleman involved in the scheme.

PM Modi said the government’s objective is to ensure that not a single eligible woman is deprived of the benefits of the Annapurna Scheme. He said women in Bengal should have the financial strength to make their own decisions and the confidence to move forward, and that the Annapurna Scheme has an important role to play in this regard.

The Prime Minister said the Central government has launched several schemes keeping in mind the diverse needs associated with the lives of mothers, sisters and daughters. These include the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana to support nutrition during pregnancy; Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao for the safety and education of girls; the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana; the Mudra Yojana to promote self-employment; Ujjwala Yojana; Har Ghar Jal; Saubhagya; Ayushman Bharat; and the Jan Dhan Yojana.

He said that in West Bengal, the benefits of several Central government schemes had not reached people on time in previous years, causing losses to poor families. Now, stalled schemes and pending projects are being expedited. The Prime Minister said that more than 50 lakh new poor families have been identified in Bengal who will be provided pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He also mentioned that the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme is being implemented in the state.

PM Modi said a new Bengal would be built collectively with the blessings and support of the mothers, sisters and people of the state. He said the resolve to build a developed India would be further strengthened by the potential of a developed Bengal. The Prime Minister also extended his greetings on Annapurna Day and Vishwakarma Puja.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar