Raiganj, Aug. 25 -- Hundreds of women blocked the road in front of Daspara Gram Panchayat office in Chopra of North Dinajpur district on Tuesday morning, alleging that they had not received money under the state government's Annapurna Bhandar scheme. The agitation intensified when the husbands also joined the protest.
Police reached the spot after being informed. Tension escalated when the protesters became unruly and police detained one person. The agitating women reportedly snatched the detained person from the police van. A large contingent of police personnel later reached the area and brought the situation under control.
Margina Bibi, a resident of Daspara, said: "I have applied online for the scheme and submitted all the necessary documents. I do not have any land or property. The Gram Panchayat authorities verified my application and assured me that the money would be credited. We demand that the government either release the pending Rs 3000 or restore the earlier system of providing Rs 1500 regularly."
Jellur Rahaman, Upapradhan of Daspara Gram Panchayat, said: "Many women from poor families have not received the Rs 3000 benefit. The matter had been brought to the attention of block officials and they have expressed hope that the crisis would be resolved soon."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.