The West Bengal government has introduced the Annapurna Scheme, which is designed to provide direct financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women throughout the state. This initiative, effective from June 1, 2026, aims to bolster the financial support for women hailing from low to middle-income households. The funds will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts utilizing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

This scheme replaces the previous Lakshmir Bhandar programme, offering a significant increase in monthly support. The new benefits provided under the Annapurna Scheme constitute a doubling of the monthly assistance previously available, thereby making it one of the largest female-focused welfare programmes in the state.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Women between the ages of 25 and 60 who reside in West Bengal are permitted to apply for the Annapurna Scheme. Nonetheless, several categories are excluded from eligibility. Women who are income tax payers, regular government employees, and staff members of statutory bodies, local authorities, and government-aided educational institutions will not qualify.

Additionally, those receiving regular government pensions are ineligible for this scheme. Women whose names have been removed from the State Identification Register (SIR) also cannot apply. This structured approach is intended to ensure that the benefits are targeted towards those who genuinely require financial assistance.

Transition from Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Scheme

A significant aspect of the Annapurna Scheme is the automatic transition of existing beneficiaries from the Lakshmir Bhandar programme. Under the new initiative, these beneficiaries have had their monthly assistance increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. The approval from the state cabinet underscores the commitment to enhancing financial support mechanisms for women in the region.

An online application portal for new applicants is anticipated to be launched shortly, facilitating the application and verification processes. To ensure the integrity of the programme, all applications will undergo thorough verification conducted by designated government officials. In rural settings, Block Development Officers (BDOs) will carry out the verification, while Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) will handle this responsibility in urban areas.

In the Kolkata Municipal Corporation region, specific authorities have been appointed to oversee the verification processes. This structured methodology aims to uphold the standards of the initiative and facilitate seamless implementation.

Additions to Public Transport Benefits

In addition to the Annapurna Scheme, the West Bengal government has announced a new provision allowing free travel for women and girls on all state-operated buses. This policy is expected to alleviate transportation expenses and enhance access to education, employment, and essential services. It complements the financial support provided by the Annapurna Scheme.

The combination of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance, direct financial transfers, and free bus travel is poised to significantly improve the financial security and mobility of women across West Bengal. This initiative signifies a comprehensive approach to fostering women’s empowerment and enhancing their quality of life.

The implementation of the Annapurna Scheme, alongside the transportation benefit, is reflective of the state’s broader strategy to provide robust support to women in various spheres of life.

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