Lakshmir Bhandar scheme faces new controversy:2 men received women’s welfare funds for several years in Mamata-led Govt; probe on

Questions are being raised over alleged irregularities in the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme after cases emerged from Murshidabad and West Midnapore, where men were allegedly found receiving money under the women-centric welfare project. Murshidabad case involves Rakibul Sheikh In Murshidabad’s Radharghat 1 Gram Panchayat area, a man identified as Rakibul Sheikh allegedly received Lakshmir Bhandar funds in his bank account for nearly three years. Rakibul, who runs a restaurant, claimed he had tried contacting the BDO office after discovering the issue but received no response. Police begin questioning According to sources, the matter came to light after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari mentioned his name during a press briefing from Nabanna, following which the administration allegedly swung into action. Berhampore Police later detained Rakibul Sheikh for questioning. Rakibul claimed that after failing to get assistance from officials, he stopped pursuing the matter. He further stated that the government could discontinue the payments immediately and that he was willing to return the money if asked to do so. Chandrakona reports second similar allegation case Meanwhile, another similar case has surfaced from Chandrakona in West Midnapore, where a local Trinamool Congress leader was allegedly found receiving Lakshmir Bhandar benefits. Police sources said Chandrakona Town Police Station arrested Uttam Kumar Sau, a local TMC leader from Manoharpur area under Chandrakona Block 1, after questioning him over the allegations. Local BJP workers alleged that, despite being a male beneficiary, Uttam Kumar Sau had continued to receive benefits under the scheme for a long time. They also demanded strict action against him and sought recovery of the money allegedly received. Accused leader denies knowledge scheme enrollment However, the accused TMC leader claimed he was unaware that his name had been registered as a beneficiary under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. He further stated that although his name appeared in the records, the money was credited to his wife’s bank account. The controversy erupted at a time when the state government had started the process for the newly announced Annapurna Bhandar scheme. The application forms for the scheme became available online from the night of May 27, while offline forms are being distributed through BDO, SDO, and District Magistrate offices. Annapurna Bhandar scheme application process begins Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the application process for Annapurna Bhandar would continue for 90 days from June 1 through both online and offline modes. He also said officials linked to panchayats would conduct a 30-day door-to-door drive for form distribution and verification. What is Lakshmir Bhandar scheme? The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme is a flagship social welfare program launched by the Government of West Bengal in 2021 to provide basic monthly income support to women from economically weaker households. It aims to empower women by promoting financial independence through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) directly into their bank accounts. 30 lakh beneficiaries may lose Annapurna Bhandar benefits Launching the application form for the Annapurna Yojana on Wednesday, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries of the previous government’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme may be excluded after verification. The new DBT scheme will provide Rs 3,000 to women. Claiming that even men were receiving benefits under Lakshmir Bhandar, the CM cited the case of Rakibul Sheikh from Radharghat in Murshidabad, who was later arrested.