Abhijit Ray,Kolkata:West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya made a big announcement in the state budget. For women in their 60s who don’t get the widow’s allowance, their financial allocation under Lakshmi’sBhandar scheme has increased. Instead of Rs 500, now they will get Rs 1,000 per month. That will come directly under the pension. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari staged a protest outside the Assembly against the project.The state government has taken one step after another to empower women in the state. Lakshmi’s Bhandar scheme has been launched for women. Under this scheme, women belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes received Rs. 1,000 per month and Rs. 500 for other women. However, this allowance was given to the 25-60 year olds. This time, women have also come under the scheme. After 60 years, they used to get old age allowance. This time, women above 60 years of age will get Rs 1,000 a month under the LaxmirBhandar scheme along with old age allowance.According to the state government, 1.88 crore women have already availed the benefits of Lakshmi’s bhandar. The state is bringing them under the direct pension so that their allowances do not stop even after 60 years. They will get a pension of Rs 1,000 per month. As a result, they will no longer have to get involved in the application.The state government has announced a new scheme for fishermen in the age group of 18 to 60 years. It’s called “Fisherman’s Friend.” Fishermen in the age group of 18-60 years will be given a one-time assistance of Rs 2 lakh to their family members in case of natural or premature death. The state government has allocated Rs 30 crore for the sector.
