Annapurna Yojana 2026: West Bengal Women ₹3,000 Monthly Benefit
The West Bengal government has officially launched the Annapurna Yojana, replacing the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme to provide enhanced financial support to women across the state. Under this newly notified welfare initiative, eligible women receive a direct monthly transfer of ₹3,000 straight into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The scheme went live on June 1, 2026, with the first installment successfully credited to beneficiaries starting from June 4, 2026.
Annapurna Yojana 2026 Key Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar Scheme) |
| State Government | West Bengal |
| Official Notification No. | 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 |
| Launch Date | June 1, 2026 |
| First Installment Date | June 4, 2026 |
| Monthly Financial Support | ₹3,000 per month |
| Transfer Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| Age Criteria | 25 to 60 years |
| Additional Benefits | Free travel on all state-run buses |
| Official Portal | socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
Important Dates for Annapurna Yojana
| Event Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Scheme Notification | May 19, 2026 |
| Verification Deadline | May 25, 2026 |
| Application Form Availability | May 27, 2026 |
| Scheme Go-Live Date | June 1, 2026 |
| First Installment Disbursal | June 4, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria and Verification
To ensure transparency and deliver benefits to deserving households, the state administration has set clear eligibility parameters. Applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal aged between 25 and 60 years. Permanent government employees and income tax payers are excluded from receiving this support. Furthermore, beneficiaries must ensure active Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, and families must comply with governmental children immunisation programmes and educational guidelines. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are automatically transitioned subject to successful verification clears.
Application Procedure and How to Apply
Eligible residents can apply for the scheme through online and offline modes:
- Online Mode: Visit the official portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in, log in using mobile number verification, provide ration card and Aadhaar details, submit bank information, and upload required documents.
- Offline Mode: Download the Annapurna Yojana Family Level Data Collection Form PDF in English, Bangla, or Hindi from the official website. Alternatively, collect physical copies from Duare Sarkar camps, BDO, SDO, or Municipality offices. Fill out the form in block letters, attach self-attested documents, and submit it at designated collection counters to obtain an acknowledgement slip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly financial benefit under Annapurna Yojana?
Eligible women receive ₹3,000 per month directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
What is the age limit to apply for the scheme?
Women aged between 25 and 60 years are eligible to apply.
When was the first installment of Annapurna Yojana credited?
The first installment of ₹3,000 started hitting bank accounts from June 4, 2026.
What additional benefit is provided to women alongside the financial support?
Eligible women are entitled to free travel on all state-run government buses starting June 1, 2026.
Which official website hosts the Annapurna Yojana application forms?
Application forms and related details are available on the official socialsecurity.wb.gov.in portal.
Official Links
Details are compiled from official notices. Always confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official website before applying.