States » EastPosted at: Sep 17 2026 3:30PM


Modi says ‘no cut money’ in Bengal under new administration

Kolkata, Sep 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his 76th birthday, said the administrative change in West Bengal had ensured that beneficiaries no longer had to pay “cut money” to access government welfare schemes.
Addressing the people of West Bengal through a video message on the occasion of ‘Annapurna Diwas’ on Thursday, Modi highlighted the benefits of the state government’s Annapurna Yojana and said the scheme was providing financial security and confidence to women across Bengal.
“We believe that when people do not have the burden of worrying about daily or emergency household expenses, their confidence increases manifold. The Annapurna Yojana launched by the state government is providing that confidence and economic security to the mothers and sisters of Bengal,” Modi said.
Referring to the change of government in the state on May 4, Modi said women had played a major role in bringing about the change and that the new administration had adopted the principle of “less talk, more work”.
“Within a few days of the government being formed, this Annapurna Yojana was launched, and today money is reaching bank accounts directly. There are no middlemen and no cut money. Cut money no longer operates in Bengal,” he said.
Modi also urged the administration to ensure that no eligible woman was deprived of the benefits of the scheme.
He assured women of continued support from both the Centre and the state government in areas of welfare and empowerment.
Highlighting various central initiatives, Modi said successive schemes had sought to support women at different stages of their lives.
He referred to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, construction of toilets in schools, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, opening of Sainik Schools to girls, Mudra Yojana, extended maternity leave, Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission, Saubhagya and Ayushman Bharat.
The Prime Minister also criticised the implementation of central schemes in West Bengal over the past 12 years, alleging that several projects had remained stalled.
He said the pace of implementation had accelerated after the change in government.
Modi's reference to “cut money” revived a political issue that had featured prominently in his attacks on the previous Trinamool government during the Assembly election campaign.
He had repeatedly alleged irregularities in the panchayat system and local administration.
Without naming the previous government, Modi said the change in Bengal was reflected in the functioning of the administration.
“The real change that has come to Bengal can be understood by looking at today's transparent system. There is no cut money required for any government benefit in Bengal now,” he said.
Concluding his address, Modi said: “Together, we will build a new Bengal. The resolve of a developed India will be realised through the potential of a developed Bengal.”
UNI SAG RSA
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