Protests Over Annapurna Bhandar Payments Reported Across North Bengal

MP, August 22, 2026, Alipurduar/Jalpaiguri/Malda: Protests over alleged non-payment and exclusion from the Annapurna scheme intensified across North Bengal on Friday.

Different places in Malda, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar witnessed roadblocks and demonstrations over non-receipt of Annapurna Bhandar payments.

At Alipurduar-II block, thousands of women gathered at the BDO office, with the protest turning violent and office property allegedly vandalised.

The agitation began around 11 am, disrupting work at the block office.

According to sources, protesters allegedly entered the office, vandalised furniture and damaged official documents.

The BDO was in Kolkata on official duty.

Two women civic volunteers and a temporary block office employee were allegedly assaulted.

They were taken to Josodanga Rural Hospital for treatment.

At around 2 pm, protesters blocked the Alipurduar-Samuktala state highway.

SDPO and around 50 police personnel reached the spot.

The blockade continued until about 4.30 pm.

Following discussions, protesters agreed to return on Monday to resubmit their documents.

Meanwhile, women staged a separate protest at the Jalpaiguri Sadar BDO office over the same issue.

They withdrew after receiving administrative assurances.

In Dhupguri, women also blocked a road after allegedly failing to get an explanation from the municipality regarding pending payments.

Traffic was disrupted, with buses and trucks stranded on both sides.

The blockade was withdrawn following assurances from the police and administration.

In Chanchal, Malda, women approached the BDO office.

When they could not meet the BDO, they blocked the national and state highways near Netaji More for nearly an hour, disrupting traffic.

The protesters alleged that although disbursement began on August 17, several beneficiaries had not received the money.

At Mothabari, women from Kaliachak-II demonstrated outside the BDO office and later blocked the Kaliachak-Mothabari state road.

Hundreds of women also protested at English Bazar Municipality and Harishchandrapur-I, alleging improper verification and exclusion despite financial hardship.