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Bengal Govt Forces Beneficiaries to Choose Between Annapurna and Widow Pension Schemes
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News18•22-09-2026, 22:45
Bengal Govt Forces Beneficiaries to Choose Between Annapurna and Widow Pension Schemes
- •The West Bengal government has directed beneficiaries receiving both Annapurna and widow pension schemes to choose only one, as simultaneous benefits are not permitted.
- •Beneficiaries must submit a written declaration indicating their preferred scheme to continue receiving financial assistance.
- •Under the Annapurna scheme, beneficiaries receive Rs 3,000 monthly, while the widow pension scheme provides Rs 1,500 per month.
- •The directive has been sent to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation commissioner and all district magistrates, with a deadline of September 29 to upload choices to the Samarth portal.
- •The government clarified that Annapurna assistance can be combined with disability pension and Krishak Bandhu benefits, but not with the widow pension.
Key Questions Answered
Under the Annapurna scheme, the West Bengal government provides Rs 3,000 per month, while beneficiaries of the widow pension scheme receive Rs 1,500 monthly.
Beneficiaries must submit their written choice in a prescribed form so that municipal commissioners and district magistrates can collect and upload the details onto the Samarth portal by September 29.
Yes, officials clarified that Annapurna assistance can be received concurrently with the disability pension and Krishak Bandhu benefits, but it cannot be combined with the widow pension.
