Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026 West Bengal Apply Online & Status
The West Bengal government has launched the Annapurna Bhandar Yojana, succeeding the former Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to provide enhanced financial security to women across the state. Under this welfare initiative, eligible women receive a direct monthly transfer of ₹3,000 deposited straight into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This comprehensive guide covers all essential aspects of the scheme, including eligibility requirements, benefit payouts, status tracking procedures, and application methods.
Annapurna Bhandar Yojana Overview
The scheme aims to uplift women financially by providing ₹3,000 per month, summing up to ₹36,000 annually. This replaces older rates of ₹1,500 and ₹1,700 under Lakshmir Bhandar. Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar were automatically migrated to the new scheme without requiring a fresh application.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Bhandar Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| State | West Bengal |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible women aged 25 to 60 years |
| Benefit Amount | ₹3,000 per month (₹36,000 per year) |
| Payment Mode | DBT into Aadhaar linked bank account |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Official Portal | socialregistry.wb.gov.in |
| Helpline Number | 1800-345-5505 |
Important Dates and Timelines
Applicants must keep track of important milestones regarding application windows and disbursement dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fresh Online Application Window Closed | 31 July 2026 |
| Resubmission for Rejected Forms Began | 20 August 2026 |
| September Installment Credit Start | 17 September 2026 |
| Jan Kalyan Camps for Fresh Applications | November and December 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the monthly financial assistance under Annapurna Bhandar Yojana, applicants must fulfill specific conditions established by the West Bengal government:
- Age Limit: The applicant must be a woman aged between 25 and 60 years.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Employment Status: The applicant must not hold a permanent government job, nor receive a regular government salary or pension.
- Tax Status: Must not be an income taxpayer.
- Mandatory Linkages: The bank account must be linked with Aadhaar, and Swasthya Sathi enrollment must be active.
Required Documents
Applicants should keep scanned and physical copies of the following documents ready before applying or undergoing verification:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Bank Passbook copy reflecting account number, IFSC code, and Aadhaar linking
- Swasthya Sathi Card details
- Recent passport-size photographs
Selection Process and Payment Details
Beneficiaries are verified against duplicate, deceased, or ineligible records. Once verified, payments are disbursed via DBT in phases. The September installment of ₹3,000 is credited to approximately 1.58 crore women. In case of payment delays or form errors, applicants can contact the Social Welfare Department helpline at 1800-345-5505.
How to Check Application and Payment Status
Registered women can check their payment status and application tracking using the official portals:
- Visit the official website at
socialregistry.wb.gov.inor the office login portal atsocialsecurity.wb.gov.in/Office/login. - Navigate to the tracking or applicant status section.
- Enter the registered mobile number, application ID, Aadhaar number, or Swasthya Sathi card number.
- Submit the details to view the current application status and last credited installment details.
How to Apply Online and Offline
For those looking to submit fresh applications during upcoming windows such as the Jan Kalyan camps in November and December 2026, the steps are as follows:
- Online Method: Go to
socialregistry.wb.gov.in, register using your mobile and Aadhaar numbers via OTP authentication, fill out the application form with personal and bank details, upload required documents, and submit to receive an application ID. - Offline Method: Collect printed forms from Duare Sarkar camps, block offices, SDO offices, or municipal offices. Forms are available in English, Bengali, and Hindi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakshmir Bhandar still giving money?
Lakshmir Bhandar has been replaced by Annapurna Bhandar Yojana. Existing beneficiaries have been moved to the new scheme and receive ₹3,000 per month.
Do existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?
No, existing beneficiaries do not need to submit a fresh application, though verification is conducted to remove duplicate or ineligible records.
What is the monthly benefit amount under Annapurna Bhandar Yojana?
Eligible women receive ₹3,000 per month, which totals ₹36,000 a year.
What are the age limits to apply for this scheme?
Women aged between 25 to 60 years who are permanent residents of West Bengal can apply.
How can I check my payment status?
You can check your payment status online through the official West Bengal social security portal using your registered mobile number, application ID, Aadhaar number, or Swasthya Sathi card number.
What is the helpline number for Annapurna Bhandar Yojana?
You can contact the Social Welfare Department helpline at 1800-345-5505 for any issues related to forms or pending payments.
Official Links
Details are compiled from official notices. Always confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official website before applying.