Why West Bengal’s decision of linking social security benefits to SIR is being challenged | Explained (opens original article in a new tab)

The Supreme Court directed petitioners to challenge West Bengal's decision to link PDS and Annapurna Yojana benefits to SIR outcomes, with petitioners arguing it improperly ties welfare to electoral processes.

• Supreme Court directed petitioners to approach Calcutta High Court over West Bengal's PDS and Annapurna Yojana benefit linking to SIR
• West Bengal government's orders link PDS and Annapurna Yojana benefits to SIR outcomes, including ASDD electors and deleted voters
• Petitioners argue PDS benefits shouldn't be tied to electoral processes, citing Bihar SIR judgement limitations
• Annapurna Yojana, a non-statutory scheme, is being used to reduce beneficiaries from 2.2 crore to 1 crore under new SIR criteria
• West Bengal government claims SIR removes ineligible beneficiaries, including those not entitled under previous schemes
• SIR process in 2025-2026 led to 34 lakh appeals, with 91 lakh voters verified