The West Bengal government has officially announced the rollout of the ‘Annapurna Yojana’, a major welfare initiative aimed at providing monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women across the state. The scheme will come into effect from June 1, 2026, and the amount will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The scheme is being seen as one of the biggest women-focused welfare programmes introduced in West Bengal in recent years.
What Is Annapurna Yojana?
The Annapurna Yojana has been introduced by the West Bengal Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare to improve the financial independence and socio-economic security of women. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 every month directly into their bank accounts.
The government has stated that the initiative is designed to support low-income households and help women manage essential family expenses such as food, healthcare, education, and daily household needs.
Who Will Be Eligible?
Reports suggest that the scheme will primarily target women residents of West Bengal between the ages of 25 and 60 years. Income taxpayers, government employees, and pension beneficiaries are likely to be excluded from the scheme.
The government is also expected to continue or migrate existing beneficiaries from the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme into the new Annapurna Yojana framework.
Officials have clarified that the financial aid will only be transferred to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, making DBT compliance mandatory for beneficiaries.
Application Process And Rollout
According to reports, the application process for new beneficiaries is expected to begin from June 1 through both online and offline modes. Women may be able to apply through dedicated government portals, block offices, and Duare Sarkar camps.
Applicants may need documents such as:
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID
- Residence proof
- Bank account details
- Passport-size photographs
The state government has also advised citizens to avoid unofficial portals and rely only on authorized government platforms for registration and updates.
Bigger Welfare Push By Bengal Government
The Annapurna Yojana is part of a broader welfare expansion announced by the newly formed West Bengal government. Along with the monthly assistance scheme, the government has also approved free travel for women in state-run buses from June 1 onwards.
Political observers believe these welfare measures could significantly strengthen women-centric social support systems in the state.
Summary
West Bengal will launch the Annapurna Yojana from June 1, 2026, offering ₹3,000 monthly financial assistance to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer. The scheme aims to improve women’s financial security and household support. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries may also be migrated to the new system, while fresh applications are expected to begin soon.
