Summary:
Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee government has spent nearly Rs 500 crore in providing financial assistance to 37 lakh farmers under the Krishak Bandhu scheme, a programme which was announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on December 31 last year. "We have spent Rs 478 crore for the benefit of the farmers and another Rs 23 crore has been disbursed following deaths of the farmers to their respective family members. We have already spent Rs 500 crore and would spend more as and when we receive further applications," said state Agriculture minister Asish Banerjee. Under the 'assured income' initiative of the scheme, the state provides an annual support of Rs 5,000 to farmers possessing one acre of land. Under 'death benefit', the state government has disbursed Rs 23.46 crore to the family members of 1,173 farmers..