Bengal’s Annapurna Scheme Promises Rs 3,000 A Month For Women From June

The West Bengal government is set to roll out the Annapurna scheme, offering eligible women a monthly financial assistance of 3,000 rupees through direct benefit transfer. The programme, which replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar framework over time, is positioned as a core welfare pillar of the new Suvendu Adhikari administration, with applications opening ahead of a June 1 launch.

The scheme, notified by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, aims to deliver predictable income support to women in the 25 to 60 age group who are not government salaried staff, not pensioners and not paying income tax. Officials say Annapurna is designed to both consolidate existing benefits and push financial inclusion by routing all payments into Aadhaar linked bank accounts.

How The Annapurna Scheme Will Work

Under Annapurna Yojana, eligible women will receive 3,000 rupees per month directly into their bank accounts via the DBT system. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be migrated automatically, barring those classified as dead, shifted or duplicate in the latest special revision of electoral rolls, while fresh applicants can apply online or through offline camps with support from MLAs and district officials.

Transition From Lakshmir Bhandar

The government has clarified that Lakshmir Bhandar will run in parallel until Annapurna is fully implemented, mirroring the way Swasthya Sathi is being transitioned to Ayushman Bharat. Once the handover is complete, Annapurna will effectively double the earlier assistance levels for many women, moving from roughly 1,500–1,700 rupees a month under Lakshmir Bhandar to a flat 3,000 rupees for eligible beneficiaries.

Why The Scheme Matters For Women’s Welfare

For low and middle income households, a predictable 3,000 rupees monthly credit in a woman’s own account can be the difference between just coping and having a modest buffer for essentials, education or small savings. Politically, Annapurna also anchors the new government’s commitment to women centric welfare and could reshape the welfare landscape in a state where female focused schemes have been central to electoral narratives over the past few years.

Key Highlights

1. West Bengal to roll out Annapurna Yojana from June 1, 2026, offering 3,000 rupees per month to eligible women via DBT
2. Scheme replaces Lakshmir Bhandar over time; existing beneficiaries will be migrated except those marked dead, shifted or duplicate
3. Women aged 25–60, not in permanent government service, not pensioners and not income tax payers are eligible for the benefit
4. Online and offline application channels to be opened; district magistrates and KMC commissioner designated as sanctioning authorities

Sources: West Bengal government notification on Annapurna Yojana, AIR/Prasar Bharati update, and detailed reports by Moneycontrol and national media on scheme design and eligibility