"It should be understood that not all benefits are for everyone," Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh said. (File photo)Amid widespread protests across West Bengal over alleged non-payment of funds under the Annapurna Yojana, the BJP government has now hit out at the previous regime, blaming what it called the “habit of charity” inculcated by the former TMC government for the demonstrations.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh said, “It has become a habit due to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. It should be understood that not all benefits are for everyone… The Central government has launched many schemes. The state government has also done so. There is a limit to that. Criteria have been set for it. Those who fall within it will receive it.”“This habit of giving alms and charity to everyone has been spoiled by the Trinamool Congress… Everyone must understand this. This cannot continue,” he added.His remarks come in the backdrop of massive protests across the state on Friday by women claiming they have not yet received the Rs 3,000 monthly assistance promised under the BJP government’s flagship scheme, the Annapurna Yojana.Must Read | 17 lakh Annapurna Yojana names rejected, Bengal outlines reapplication processOn Friday, Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Agnimitra Paul was also confronted by some women protesters about the scheme as she was visiting the District Magistrate’s office in Paschim Medinipur district. After her meeting, she spoke with some of the protesters.Speaking to reporters, she said, “In the background of the unrest, the hand of the former ruling party (TMC) is present in some places. My mothers and sisters will have to be a little patient. If the application forms of 2 crore women are still pending, it will take some time to upload them as well. That time must be given.”As protests spilled across the two 24 Parganas districts, the situation remained tense on Friday. Angry protesters staged railway blockades at some places in North 24 Parganas district, while others protested outside the municipalities and BDO offices. The government had also deployed RAF to control the situation in Sonarpur.Story continues below this adOutside the North Dum Dum municipality, protests intensified in the afternoon as the women accused several municipal employees of indecent behaviour upon filing complaints regarding the non-payment of funds. As anger spread, women protesters sat on the railway tracks under the flyover near Birati station. The railway police and administrative officials rushed to the spot and the blockade was lifted after pacifying the protesters.Meanwhile, an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) worker was allegedly harassed by the protesters in the Gacha Akharpur gram panchayat area of Basirhat 1 block. An injured ICDS worker, Preeti Das, along with other workers, visited the BDO office, seeking security. ICDS workers were assigned the responsibility of conducting surveys for the Annapurna scheme in the state.Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram