West Bengal launches Annapurna Scheme with Rs 3,000 monthly benefit. Key details
The West Bengal government has launched the Annapurna Scheme, providing Rs 3,000 every month to eligible women through direct bank transfers. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries have been shifted automatically to the new programme.
The West Bengal government has rolled out the Annapurna Scheme, a new welfare programme that provides Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women across the state. Effective from June 1, 2026, the Annapurna Scheme aims to support women from low and middle-income households through direct financial assistance.
The monthly amount will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The scheme replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar programme and offers double the previous monthly support, making it one of the state's biggest women-focused welfare initiatives.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE ANNAPURNA SCHEME?
Women aged between 25 and 60 years who are residents of West Bengal are eligible to apply for the Annapurna Scheme.
However, certain categories have been excluded from the programme. Women who pay income tax, regular government employees, employees of statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities, local authorities and government-aided educational institutions are not eligible.
Women receiving regular government pensions are also excluded from the scheme. In addition, women whose names have been removed from the State Identification Register (SIR) will not qualify.
LAKSHMIR BHANDAR BENEFICIARIES SHIFTED AUTOMATICALLY
One of the key changes under the new programme is the transition from Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Yojana.
Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar have been automatically transferred to the new scheme. The monthly assistance has increased from Rs 1,500 under the previous programme to Rs 3,000 under Annapurna.
The scheme was approved by the state cabinet and forms part of a broader effort to strengthen financial support for women.
APPLICATION AND VERIFICATION PROCESS
While existing beneficiaries have already been moved to the scheme, a dedicated online application portal for new applicants is expected to open soon.
Applications will undergo verification by authorised government officials. In rural areas, verification will be carried out by Block Development Officers (BDOs).
In urban regions, the responsibility will lie with Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), while designated authorities will oversee the process within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.
ALSO READ: Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026 opens in Rajasthan. Check details
FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR WOMEN
Alongside the Annapurna Scheme, the state government has introduced free travel for women and girls on all government-operated buses across West Bengal.
The move is expected to reduce transportation costs and improve access to education, employment and daily services.
With Rs 3,000 in monthly assistance, direct bank transfers and free bus travel, the West Bengal Annapurna Scheme marks a major welfare initiative aimed at improving financial security and mobility for women across the state.
The West Bengal government has rolled out the Annapurna Scheme, a new welfare programme that provides Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women across the state. Effective from June 1, 2026, the Annapurna Scheme aims to support women from low and middle-income households through direct financial assistance.
The monthly amount will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The scheme replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar programme and offers double the previous monthly support, making it one of the state's biggest women-focused welfare initiatives.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE ANNAPURNA SCHEME?
Women aged between 25 and 60 years who are residents of West Bengal are eligible to apply for the Annapurna Scheme.
However, certain categories have been excluded from the programme. Women who pay income tax, regular government employees, employees of statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities, local authorities and government-aided educational institutions are not eligible.
Women receiving regular government pensions are also excluded from the scheme. In addition, women whose names have been removed from the State Identification Register (SIR) will not qualify.
LAKSHMIR BHANDAR BENEFICIARIES SHIFTED AUTOMATICALLY
One of the key changes under the new programme is the transition from Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Yojana.
Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar have been automatically transferred to the new scheme. The monthly assistance has increased from Rs 1,500 under the previous programme to Rs 3,000 under Annapurna.
The scheme was approved by the state cabinet and forms part of a broader effort to strengthen financial support for women.
APPLICATION AND VERIFICATION PROCESS
While existing beneficiaries have already been moved to the scheme, a dedicated online application portal for new applicants is expected to open soon.
Applications will undergo verification by authorised government officials. In rural areas, verification will be carried out by Block Development Officers (BDOs).
In urban regions, the responsibility will lie with Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), while designated authorities will oversee the process within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.
ALSO READ: Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026 opens in Rajasthan. Check details
FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR WOMEN
Alongside the Annapurna Scheme, the state government has introduced free travel for women and girls on all government-operated buses across West Bengal.
The move is expected to reduce transportation costs and improve access to education, employment and daily services.
With Rs 3,000 in monthly assistance, direct bank transfers and free bus travel, the West Bengal Annapurna Scheme marks a major welfare initiative aimed at improving financial security and mobility for women across the state.
