The Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar Scheme) is a major women-centric welfare initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal. It aims to provide ₹3,000 per month to eligible women through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), ensuring financial security and socio-economic upliftment.
What is Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
- Also known as Annapurna Yojana / Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
- Earlier referred to as Matri Shakti Bharosa Scheme
- Announced as a key electoral promise during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections
- Will be implemented from 1 June 2026
- Replaces the existing Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
Objective
- To empower women financially
- To improve household income, healthcare access, and living standards
- To reduce economic burden on families
Rollout Timeline
- 11 May 2026: Decision taken in first cabinet meeting of new WB government
- 19 May 2026: Official notification issued
- 27 May 2026: Application forms released (via Nabanna & online)
- 1 June 2026: Scheme comes into effect
Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme will continue until full transition is completed
Key Benefits
- ₹3,000 per month financial assistance
- Transferred via DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
- Ensures regular income support for women beneficiaries
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a woman
- Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
- Age: 25 to 60 years
Ineligible Categories
- Income taxpayers
- Permanent or retired government employees
- Individuals receiving salary/pension from government bodies, including:
- State/Central Government
- Panchayats, municipalities, statutory bodies
- Employees (teaching/non-teaching) in government-aided institutions
Migration from Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
- All existing beneficiaries will be migrated, except:
- Dead, shifted, deleted, or absentee electors (SIR 2026)
- Deleted names after draft list or adjudication
- Individuals marked ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate)
Beneficiary Data
- Total enrolled under Lakshmir Bhandar: 2.20 crore
- 30 lakh removed due to ineligibility (non-citizens, voter list removal, CAA-related issues)
- Final expected beneficiaries under Annapurna Scheme: ~2 crore
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Residence Proof
- Bank account details (passbook/statement)
- Passport-size photographs
Significance
- One of the largest women-focused DBT schemes in India
- Strengthens financial inclusion and gender empowerment
- Ensures targeted welfare delivery through Aadhaar linkage
- Reflects shift toward direct income support models in state governance