PM Narendra Modi said today that the practice of ‘cut money’ has ended in West Bengal, citing the Annapurna Yojana’s direct bank transfers.
The scheme’s fourth instalment is being sent directly to bank accounts of nearly 1.5 crore women beneficiaries, according to Modi.
‘Cut money’ refers to the alleged practice of intermediaries deducting welfare funds before they reach recipients.
Direct Benefit Transfer sends payments straight into beneficiaries’ accounts, aiming to reduce such diversion.
The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over welfare delivery in West Bengal ahead of state assembly elections.
The claim regarding the end of ‘cut money’ practices is likely to feature prominently in ongoing political discourse ahead of the state’s assembly elections.
Government officials have periodically highlighted DBT statistics as a marker of administrative efficiency and reduced corruption in welfare delivery.
PM Modi said the fourth instalment of the Annapurna Yojana scheme is being transferred directly to the bank accounts of nearly 1.5 crore women beneficiaries.
The direct bank transfer mechanism is being cited by the government as evidence that the practice of ‘cut money’ has ended in West Bengal.
‘Cut money’ refers to the alleged practice of intermediaries deducting a portion of welfare scheme funds before they reach intended beneficiaries.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes route government payments straight into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing the scope for funds to be diverted through intermediaries.
The Annapurna Yojana is aimed at providing financial support to women beneficiaries across West Bengal as part of the state’s welfare programming.
PM Modi’s remarks on the scheme come amid continued political debate over welfare delivery and governance in West Bengal.
The Indian government has expanded DBT infrastructure significantly over the past decade, covering hundreds of welfare schemes across states.
Aadhaar-linked bank accounts have played a central role in enabling direct transfers, reducing leakage compared to earlier cash or voucher-based systems.
Women at a public information campaign, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India
