Annapurna Scheme verification has been strengthened by the West Bengal government amid allegations of welfare fraud. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered an SIT probe into nearly 30 lakh suspected fake Lakshmir Bhandar accounts while assuring genuine Annapurna Scheme beneficiaries of uninterrupted payments.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | June 1, 2026
Annapurna Scheme verification measures have been strengthened by the West Bengal government as authorities move to curb alleged irregularities in welfare distribution. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna on Monday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that stricter scrutiny has become necessary after several cases of suspected fraudulent beneficiaries were identified under existing social welfare programmes.
The Chief Minister sought to reassure citizens that all eligible recipients would continue receiving benefits without interruption. According to him, the enhanced verification process under the Annapurna Scheme is intended solely to ensure that public funds reach deserving beneficiaries and are not diverted through fraudulent claims.
Payments to Begin This Week
Announcing the next phase of the programme, Adhikari said that transfers under the Annapurna Scheme are expected to begin reaching beneficiaries’ bank accounts from Wednesday. He noted that confusion and misinformation had circulated regarding the application process over the past few weeks, but claimed that many critics are now actively participating in the registration process.
The government initially introduced an offline application system and has now expanded the process through an online platform. To oversee implementation, around 20 senior officials have been deployed across districts to monitor registrations and address operational issues.
Annapurna Scheme Linked to Anti-Fraud Verification
Explaining why applicants are being asked to submit extensive information, the Chief Minister referred to alleged irregularities detected in the Lakshmir Bhandar welfare programme. He cited the case of a Murshidabad resident, Rakibul Sheikh, who was allegedly receiving benefits despite questions over his eligibility.
According to Adhikari, investigations have since uncovered additional cases where individuals allegedly received welfare benefits through fraudulent means. He claimed that the number of such cases could increase as verification efforts continue and directed law enforcement agencies to accelerate their inquiries.
The Chief Minister further alleged that welfare fraud had resulted in significant financial losses to the state exchequer. He said authorities are determined to eliminate irregularities at every level and have initiated legal measures to recover funds and hold those responsible accountable.
SIT to Investigate Alleged Fake Lakshmir Bhandar Accounts
In a significant announcement, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state government has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine alleged irregularities in the Lakshmir Bhandar welfare scheme. According to the Chief Minister, preliminary assessments suggest that nearly 30 lakh beneficiary accounts may be fraudulent or ineligible, raising serious concerns about the misuse of public welfare funds.
Adhikari stated that he has instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to constitute the SIT and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the suspected fake accounts. The probe will focus on identifying how such accounts were created, whether government funds were illegally withdrawn, and if any organized network was involved in facilitating the alleged fraud.
The Chief Minister alleged that large-scale irregularities may have occurred during the implementation of the Trinamool Congress government’s flagship welfare programme. He asserted that the administration is committed to identifying every fraudulent beneficiary and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice under the law.
Referring to the ongoing verification exercise under the Annapurna Scheme, Adhikari said the stricter documentation requirements are directly linked to the government’s effort to prevent similar irregularities in welfare programmes. He reiterated that while fraudulent claims would be thoroughly investigated, genuine beneficiaries have no reason to worry and would continue receiving their entitled benefits without interruption.
New Twist in Assembly Signature Controversy
The Chief Minister also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding disputed signatures linked to a resolution submitted within the state Assembly.
According to Adhikari, the matter originated from a resolution circulated by the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress on May 20. The document reportedly contained signatures from 70 legislators along with the names of 10 others written in block letters.
He stated that on May 27, Trinamool Congress legislators Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay and Sandipan Saha submitted a formal complaint to the Assembly Speaker regarding the issue. Acting on the complaint, the Assembly Secretariat subsequently lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with Hare Street Police Station.
Two Legislators Expelled After Disclosure
Shortly after details of the complaint became public, the Trinamool Congress expelled both legislators from the party on charges of anti-party activities.
The Chief Minister explained that after becoming aware of the allegations, he ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry considering the seriousness of the matter. He emphasized that any future action would be carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
He further clarified that decisions regarding extensions, exemptions, or special considerations for any accused individual due to health concerns or other circumstances would remain entirely at the discretion of the investigating officer handling the case.
The developments have added a new dimension to the political controversy, with investigations into both the welfare fraud allegations and the Assembly signature dispute expected to continue in the coming weeks.
