Agnimitra Paul Explains Why Annapurna Yojana Form Sparks Row in Bengal Over Detailed Family Data
The newly released Annapurna Yojana form has created political controversy in West Bengal after beneficiaries were asked to provide detailed family and financial information. BJP leader Agnimitra Paul defended the move, saying the government wants proper verification before distributing benefits.
May 29, 2026: The recently released Annapurna Yojana application form has triggered strong reactions across West Bengal due to the amount of personal and financial information being sought from applicants. The 12-page-long form requires beneficiary women to submit detailed data about every member of their family, leading to concerns among many people about privacy and possible exclusion from the scheme.
Several opposition voices and citizens have questioned why such extensive information is being collected for a welfare scheme. Many fear that strict verification rules could quietly remove eligible beneficiaries from the list. However, BJP leader and minister Agnimitra Paul defended the process and clarified the government’s stand on the issue.
Agnimitra Paul Explains the Reason Behind the Detailed Form
Speaking on the matter, Agnimitra Paul said the BJP government does not want the benefits of schemes like Annapurna Bhandar to reach illegal immigrants or non-citizens. She alleged that proper verification is necessary to ensure that public money is used only for genuine Indian citizens.
According to her statement:
- The government wants complete verification of applicants.
- Benefits should not go to “Rohingyas or Bangladeshis.”
- The collected money belongs to the people and must be used carefully.
- Detailed family information is necessary for transparency and fair distribution.
She also criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of misleading the people of Bengal over the past several years.
#WATCH | Kolkata: On TMC's allegations regarding Annapurna Bhandar scheme, West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul says, "...It doesn't make a difference what Trinamool is saying. Does Trinamool want that BJP, this new government, also gives Annapurna Bhandar to those Rohingyas and… pic.twitter.com/KGwX04f7pb
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2026
Information Required in the Annapurna Yojana Form
The new form asks applicants to provide extensive details about their household. Some of the major requirements include:
- Names, gender, and dates of birth of all family members
- Aadhaar card details and voter ID information
- Bank account details of family members
- Digital ration card and PAN card details (if available)
- Details about the house type and the number of pucca houses
- Information about total family land ownership
- Whether any family member owns a four-wheeler
- Information related to income tax or professional tax payments
- Employment details, annual income, and pension status
- GST registration details, if applicable
- Details of health insurance and government credit cards
- Educational qualifications of adult family members
- School and vaccination details of children
- Information about other government scheme benefits already received
- Details regarding any pending tribunal matter linked to the 2026 SIR list
Concerns Among Beneficiaries Continue
While the government says the process is aimed at improving transparency, many people remain worried about the complexity of the form and the possibility of deserving beneficiaries being left out. The detailed verification process has already sparked political debate in the state, and discussions around the scheme are expected to continue in the coming days.