Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Annapurna Yojana would provide a major boost to women’s empowerment in West Bengal, with the fourth instalment of ₹3,000 being transferred to the bank accounts of around 1.5 crore women beneficiaries.
Addressing a gathering during the release of the instalment through video conferencing, PM Modi said the scheme was aimed at providing women with greater financial security, dignity and decision-making power.
He said reducing financial concerns related to essential household expenses would strengthen women’s confidence and enable them to make decisions with greater independence.
The Prime Minister said the fixed monthly financial assistance can help beneficiary women meet expenses related to medicines, household necessities and children’s education. He described the scheme as an important source of support for the daily lives of women.
Government aims for universal coverage
PM Modi said the government had begun implementing the Annapurna Yojana within days of taking office, with financial assistance being transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
He stressed that the government’s objective was to ensure that no eligible woman is left out of the benefits of the scheme.
The Prime Minister said women had played a significant role in bringing about political change in the state after facing numerous hardships. He added that improving their Ease of Living was among the foremost priorities of the new government.
The government, he said, was following the principle of “less talk, more work” while accelerating the implementation of welfare programmes in the state.
Focus on women’s empowerment across the lifecycle
PM Modi outlined a range of central government initiatives aimed at supporting women at different stages of their lives.
These include the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for pregnant women, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, construction of school toilets, opening of Sainik Schools for girls, Mudra loans, enhanced maternity leave, Ujjwala LPG connections, Har Ghar Jal connections and Ayushman health cards.
He also highlighted efforts to provide women with joint ownership rights in houses constructed under the PM Awas Yojana.
The Prime Minister said addressing challenges faced by women from childhood through motherhood had remained a priority of the government.
Over 50 lakh poor families to get houses
PM Modi said several welfare programmes that had previously faced delays were now being accelerated.
Referring to the PM Awas Yojana, he said more than 50 lakh newly identified poor families in West Bengal would soon receive permanent houses. He also highlighted the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana in the state.
He said the government would work together with the people to build a “new Bengal”.
‘Viksit Bengal’ to strengthen ‘Viksit Bharat’
Linking the development of West Bengal with the broader national development agenda, PM Modi said the capabilities and progress of women in the state would contribute to the country’s development.
He said the strength of a Viksit Bengal would further strengthen the resolve of a Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister also extended greetings to the people of West Bengal on Vishwakarma Puja and Annapurna Diwas, and thanked the women of the state for their continued support and participation in the development process.
