West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana Portal Launches June 1 Offering ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance To Women

The newly elected BJP government in West Bengal has notified the Annapurna Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme aimed at empowering women from economically weaker households. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be migrated automatically after verification, while new applicants can register through the Annapurna Yojana portal starting June 1.

Eligibility Criteria

• Women aged 25 to 60 years.
• Must be a resident of West Bengal.
• Not employed in permanent government jobs or receiving government salary/pension.
• Not an income tax payer.
• Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be migrated, except those identified as ineligible during voter roll verification. 

How To Apply Online

• Visit the Annapurna Yojana portal (official government site). 
• Fill out the application form with Aadhaar details, bank account information, and proof of residence.
• Upload a passport-size photograph and required documents.
• Submit the form online; applications will be verified by Block Development Officers (BDOs) in rural areas and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) in urban areas.
• In Kolkata, verification will be handled by KMC officials. 

Verification Process

• Door-to-door verification drives are being conducted to remove duplicate, deceased, or shifted beneficiaries.
• District Magistrates will act as sanctioning authorities, ensuring only genuine applicants are approved.
• Progress reports are being monitored daily at the state level. 

Scheme Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Portal goes live on June 1, 2026  

•⁠  ⁠Provides ₹3,000 monthly assistance via DBT to Aadhaar-linked accounts

•⁠  ⁠Replaces Lakshmir Bhandar scheme (₹1,500–₹1,700 earlier)

•⁠  ⁠Eligibility: Women aged 25–60, non-government employees, non-taxpayers

•⁠  ⁠Automatic migration of verified Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries

•⁠  ⁠Online applications through Annapurna Yojana portal; offline via Duare Sarkar camps also expected

•⁠  ⁠Verification by BDOs, SDOs, and KMC officials before sanction

Sources: The Indian Express, Moneycontrol, Oneindia, Goodreturns, The Economic Times, Govt Schemes India