Protests over alleged delays and irregularities in payments under the West Bengal government’s Annapurna scheme continued across the state on Friday, with women staging demonstrations and blocking roads, railway tracks and government offices from South Bengal to North Bengal.
Multiple districts witness angry demonstrations
The protests were reported from Tarkeshwar, Birati, Dhupguri, Mathabhanga, Bishnupur, Barjora, Purulia, Harishchandrapur and parts of Kolkata, among other places.
In West Midnapore, women reportedly protested during a meeting at an administrative building, forcing Minister Agnimitra Paul to come out and interact with them. The protesters alleged that they had not received the promised financial assistance under the scheme.
Tarkeshwar women demand delayed scheme payments
In Tarkeshwar, hundreds of women gathered outside the municipal office alleging that they had not received Annapurna scheme payments. According to the protesters, those who applied for the scheme by July 10 were supposed to receive the money between August 17 and 20. However, they claimed the payments had not arrived.
Protest continues for more than hour
The protesters alleged that they did not receive a satisfactory response from the municipality and subsequently demonstrated outside the civic body. Police from Tarkeshwar police station reached the spot to manage the situation. The protest continued for more than an hour before the women withdrew it following assurances from municipal representatives and the police.
Some protesters also questioned the BJP’s earlier election promise of providing ₹3,000 to eligible beneficiaries and asked where the promised assistance had gone.
Birati rail blockade disrupts train services
In North 24 Parganas, women blocked railway tracks at Birati station on Friday, protesting over non-payment under the Annapurna scheme.
Hundreds of women reportedly gathered near the railway tracks beneath the flyover at the far end of Birati station before sitting on the tracks. The blockade disrupted train services for more than an hour.
A Down local train travelling from Hasnabad towards Sealdah reportedly entered Birati at around 1:35 pm before being brought to a halt. Several other trains were subsequently held up at different stations, leaving passengers stranded. Arguments were also reported between protesters and passengers over the disruption. Police later intervened to manage the situation.
Kolkata witnesses protests too
Anger over delayed payments was also visible in Kolkata. Women gathered outside Phoolbagan police station in north Kolkata and staged a protest. A similar demonstration took place at Behala Chowrasta, where protesters raised the same allegations. The protest led to traffic congestion before police intervened.
The women later proceeded towards a BDO office to raise their grievances.
Dhupguri protesters block national highway
In Dhupguri, a large group of women protested at the Block Development Office demanding pending Annapurna payments.
The protesters allegedly waited for a considerable period but claimed that no administrative official came to meet them. Frustrated, they later blocked the Dhupguri-Falakata section of National Highway 31 near Masjid More. The protesters alleged that they were being denied the promised benefits despite being eligible beneficiaries. They also claimed that BJP leaders had promised during the election campaign that beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme would receive ₹3,000.
The road blockade led to tension between protesters and police. One male protester alleged that police used abusive language against him during the agitation.
Mathabhanga women protest outside the BDO office
In Mathabhanga, women who claimed they had not received Annapurna payments staged a protest outside the Block Development Office. Police from Mathabhanga police station reached the spot.
In Bishnupur, Bankura, women protested outside the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer and also blocked the road outside the administrative office. Police from Bishnupur police station later intervened. The protesters warned that they would launch a larger movement if the payments were not released within the next few days.
A separate protest was also held at the Barjora BDO office, where several women demonstrated. The Bankura-Durgapur State Highway was reportedly blocked during the agitation.
Purulia women block trwo major roads
In Purulia town, women blocked two roads, one in the Dulmi area and another along Reni Road. The protesters claimed that they were eligible beneficiaries and had applied through both online and offline channels, yet the money had not been credited to their bank accounts.
The blockades caused traffic disruption and inconvenience to commuters. Police later assured the protesters of efforts to resolve the issue and asked them to approach the Purulia municipality for further discussion.
Malda women raise payment grievances
In Harishchandrapur-I block of Malda, women gathered at the block office after allegedly failing to receive Annapurna payments.
The protesters claimed they were eligible beneficiaries and had repeatedly submitted the required information and completed the application process in accordance with government instructions.
