Kolkata
oi-Swastika Sruti
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced a set of major welfare and regulatory measures in Kalyani, focusing on women’s financial support, affordable food schemes and stricter rules for liquor shops near sensitive public places.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced the ₹3,000 monthly Annapurna Yojana for women, subsidised ₹5 fish-rice meals at approximately 400 canteens, and a one-kilometre restriction for liquor shops near schools and temples.
The announcements are being seen as part of a broader push to strengthen social welfare and regulate public spaces across the state ahead of the coming months.
Among the key decisions, the chief minister announced a new monthly assistance scheme for women, low-cost fish-rice canteens and restrictions on liquor shops near schools, colleges and temples.
Liquor Shops To Be Restricted Near Schools And Temples
One of the most significant announcements made by CM Adhikari was regarding liquor outlets in the state.
The chief minister stated that no liquor shop would be allowed within a one-kilometre radius of educational institutions and temples.
According to the government, the move is aimed at protecting students and maintaining the atmosphere around religious places and academic campuses.
The decision is expected to impact licensing and location approvals for liquor businesses in many urban and semi-urban areas across West Bengal.
Officials may now begin reviewing existing liquor shop locations to ensure compliance with the new rule.
Annapurna Yojana To Provide ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance
CM Adhikari also announced the launch of the “Annapurna Yojana”, a new welfare programme designed to support women financially.
Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹3,000 every month directly from the government.
The chief minister said application forms for the scheme would become available from May 27. The government expects the initiative to benefit lakhs of women across West Bengal, especially those from economically weaker families. Officials are likely to release detailed eligibility rules and application procedures in the coming days.
The announcement has already drawn attention because of the growing political focus on direct cash assistance schemes in different states across India.
Fish-Rice Meals For Just ₹5
In another major welfare announcement, the state government revealed plans to launch subsidised canteens across Bengal.
These centres will provide fish-rice meals for only ₹5, making affordable food accessible to low-income groups and daily wage workers.
According to CM Adhikari, around 400 dedicated canteens will be established under the initiative.
The government believes the scheme can help people struggling with rising food prices and living costs.
Fish and rice are among the most commonly consumed foods in Bengal, and the move is expected to attract significant public interest.
Focus On Welfare And Public Outreach
The combination of financial support, affordable meals and stricter social regulations reflects the government’s attempt to strengthen welfare outreach at multiple levels.
Political observers say the announcements are likely to resonate strongly among women voters, lower-income families and rural communities.
The ₹3,000 monthly assistance scheme in particular could become one of the most closely watched welfare programmes in the state.
Meanwhile, the low-cost canteen initiative echoes similar subsidised food programmes introduced by different state governments across India over the years.
Government Expected To Release More Details Soon
While the announcements have generated widespread attention, several implementation details are still awaited. The government is expected to release official guidelines regarding:
- Eligibility criteria for Annapurna Yojana
- Application and verification process
- Locations of the new subsidised canteens
- Rules for liquor shop relocation or licence renewal
Officials may also clarify whether the one-kilometre liquor restriction will apply only to new shops or existing outlets as well.
With welfare politics continuing to shape state-level governance across India, the latest announcements from West Bengal are likely to become an important talking point in the coming weeks.
