Protest by rural women at Barabani BDO office over non-receipt of Annapurna Scheme funds

Nirbhik Bangla, Asansol, On Tuesday, many rural women from various panchayat areas of Barabani Assembly constituency joined a protest at the Barabani Block Development Officer (BDO) office, alleging that funds for the Annapurna Bhandar project had not yet reached their bank accounts. The protesters claimed that although the money was supposed to be disbursed from July 1, no amount had been deposited in their bank accounts as of July 7. In protest, they gathered and demonstrated at the BDO office. To control the situation, police from Barabani police station and central forces arrived at the spot. The police pushed the protesters outside the BDO office gate. Later, the administration announced through a loudspeaker that the matter was being investigated and appealed to everyone to remain calm. The protesters alleged that in June, as per electoral promises, the BJP government had begun transferring ₹3,000 each to the bank accounts of some women. They were also informed that the remaining beneficiaries would receive the money in their accounts by July. However, as the stipulated time passed and many did not receive the funds, resentment grew among them. Despite assurances from the administration, the protesters did not calm down. They continued their demonstration outside the BDO office gate and demanded immediate payment of the pending amount. Notably, the allegations and demands of the protesters could not be independently verified.