Kolkata, 07 September (H.S.) : The West Bengal government has introduced a grievance redressal facility for beneficiaries of the Annapurna Scheme. Beneficiaries who do not receive their payments or face any other issue related to the scheme can now register their complaints directly with the government through a dedicated helpline.

According to the state government, eligible beneficiaries are scheduled to receive ₹3,000 under the September instalment of the Annapurna Scheme. The government had earlier set a target of completing the transfer of funds to eligible beneficiaries by September 15. However, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, speaking from the Nabanna auditorium, has announced that an ‘Annapurna Diwas’ will be observed across the state on September 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

The announcement has raised questions among beneficiaries over whether the September instalment will be credited on September 17 instead of the earlier target date of September 15. The government has not yet issued any clear clarification on the matter.

The state government said around 1.45 crore women are currently benefiting from the Annapurna Scheme. A special procession involving around one lakh beneficiaries in Kolkata is also reportedly being planned.

For complaints related to the Annapurna Scheme, the government has issued a dedicated helpline number, 8282082820. Beneficiaries can call the helpline from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday, to register their grievances.

Complaints can also be submitted via email at asap@wb.gov.in. Beneficiaries can send details of their payment-related or other scheme-related issues to the address.

Attention is now focused on September 17, when the state is scheduled to observe ‘Annapurna Diwas’. Beneficiaries are awaiting clarity on whether the government will make any fresh announcement or provide an update regarding the release of the September instalment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh