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West Bengal Annapurna Yojana 2026 — Complete Guide

Annapurna Yojana (also known as Annapurna Bhandar Scheme) is a landmark women's welfare scheme by the Government of West Bengal that provides ₹3,000 per month financial assistance to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Launched in June 2026, it replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme with enhanced benefits.

₹3,000

Monthly Benefit

Per beneficiary

2 Crore+

Beneficiaries

Estimated eligible women

DBT

Transfer Mode

Direct to bank account

June 2026

Launch Date

Notified 19 May 2026

What is Annapurna Yojana?

The Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar Scheme) is a women's financial assistance programme introduced by the newly formed Government of West Bengal. The scheme was officially notified through Notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 dated 19 May 2026 by the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare.

Under this scheme, eligible women residents of West Bengal receive ₹3,000 per month directly credited to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The primary objective is to enhance women's economic independence, reduce financial burden on families, and improve the standard of living for economically weaker households across the state.

Key Fact: The scheme was a key election promise in the BJP's manifesto for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. It standardises the monthly benefit at ₹3,000 for all eligible women, regardless of caste or category.

Key Features of Annapurna Yojana

Feature Details
Scheme NameAnnapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar / Banglar Annapurna Prakalpa)
Launched ByGovernment of West Bengal
Nodal DepartmentWomen & Child Development and Social Welfare Department
Notification Date19 May 2026
Portal Launch1 June 2026
Formal Launch3 June 2026 at Nabanna
Monthly Benefit₹3,000 per month
Payment ModeDBT to Aadhaar-linked bank account
Age Limit25 to 60 years
Application Period27 May 2026 to 25 August 2026 (90 days)
Previous SchemeLakshmir Bhandar (replaced)

Objectives of the Scheme

Economic Independence

Provide women with direct financial support to reduce dependency and enable better household financial management.

Social Welfare

Improve nutrition, healthcare access, and education outcomes for families through additional monthly income.

Financial Inclusion

Promote Aadhaar-linked banking among women and bring more households into the formal financial system.

Transparent Delivery

Leverage DBT to ensure funds reach beneficiaries directly without intermediaries or leakage.

✅ Check Eligibility 📝 How to Apply 📋 Documents Required 💰 Benefits & Comparison 🏦 Payment Details ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar Scheme)?
Annapurna Yojana, also known as Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, is a women's financial assistance scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal in June 2026. Eligible women receive ₹3,000 per month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. It replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
When was the Annapurna Yojana launched?
The scheme was officially notified on 19 May 2026, the online portal went live on 1 June 2026, and the formal launch ceremony took place on 3 June 2026 at Nabanna by the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
How much money will beneficiaries receive?
Eligible women beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 per month, directly credited to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the DBT system.
Who is eligible for the Annapurna Yojana?
Women aged 25 to 60 years who are permanent residents of West Bengal. The applicant must not be a government employee, government pensioner, income tax payer, or employed in government-aided educational institutions.
How can I apply for the Annapurna Yojana?
You can apply online through the official Annapurna Yojana portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in, or offline by downloading the application form (available in Bengali, English, and Hindi) and submitting it at your local ration office or designated government centre.
Do existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to reapply?
No, existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are being automatically migrated to the Annapurna Yojana after verification. However, their eligibility is being re-verified, and some may lose benefits if found ineligible.
What documents are needed for the application?
You need Aadhaar card, bank account details (with IFSC code), voter ID card, residential proof, recent passport-size photograph, and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
What is the Annapurna Yojana application deadline?
The application window is open for 90 days from 27 May 2026 to 25 August 2026.
Is the Annapurna Yojana only for SC/ST women?
No, the scheme is for all eligible women in West Bengal regardless of caste or category. All eligible women receive ₹3,000 per month uniformly.
How can I check my Annapurna Yojana application status?
You can check your application status on the official portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in using your application reference number or Aadhaar number.
Why might I lose eligibility during verification?
Beneficiaries may lose eligibility if identified as deceased, shifted out of state, duplicate entries, absentee electors during SIR-2026, or those deleted after adjudication. Approximately 30 lakh ineligible records are being removed.
Can I apply if I am a government employee?
No, the scheme explicitly excludes anyone engaged in permanent government employment or receiving a regular salary or pension from the Union or West Bengal government, any statutory body, government undertaking, panchayat, or local authority.
What is the difference between Annapurna Yojana and Lakshmir Bhandar?
Annapurna Yojana has increased the monthly assistance from ₹1,000-1,700 (under Lakshmir Bhandar) to a uniform ₹3,000 for all eligible women. The eligibility criteria are also stricter under the new scheme.
How will the money be transferred?
The ₹3,000 amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Is Annapurna Bhandar the same as the Central Government's Annapurna Scheme?
No, the Central Government's Annapurna Scheme provides 10 kg of free food grains to destitute senior citizens aged 65+. The West Bengal Annapurna Yojana provides ₹3,000/month cash to women aged 25-60. They are completely different schemes.