Kolkata, Sep 22 (PTI) The West Bengal government on Tuesday directed beneficiaries receiving both the Annapurna scheme and widow pension to choose one of the benefits, saying the two financial assistance schemes cannot be availed simultaneously, a senior official said.
A directive issued by the secretary of the state Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department has been sent to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation commissioner and all district magistrates, he said.
“The two benefits cannot be drawn simultaneously by the same beneficiary. Those who are currently receiving both have been asked to exercise their option in writing so that the records can be updated accordingly,” the official told PTI.
Under the Annapurna scheme, the state provides Rs 3,000 a month, while beneficiaries under the widow pension scheme receive Rs 1,500 per month.
As per the directive, widow pension beneficiaries who are also receiving assistance under the Annapurna scheme will have to submit a written declaration stating which benefit they wish to continue and which one they want to discontinue.
They will have to fill out a prescribed form for the purpose, he said.
The directive said the list of beneficiaries receiving both benefits is available on the Samarth portal. The municipal commissioner and district magistrates have been asked to collect the beneficiaries’ choices and upload the details on the portal by September 29.
Another official said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that benefits under the schemes were provided in accordance with the eligibility conditions.
The official said the government would take steps to ensure that beneficiaries did not face difficulties while exercising their option.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier said that a beneficiary could not receive assistance under both the widow pension and Annapurna schemes.
The government has clarified that Annapurna assistance can be received along with the disability pension and Krishak Bandhu benefits, but not with the widow pension, officials said. PTI SCH RG
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