Overview
West Bengal launched Annapurna Yojana on 1 June 2026. It gives ₹3,000 monthly to women aged 25-60. The money goes directly to their bank accounts. Government employees and income tax payers cannot get it. It replaces the old Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
A New Scheme for Women
The West Bengal government has started a new scheme. It is called Annapurna Yojana. The scheme began on 1 June 2026. It gives cash assistance to women. Every eligible woman gets ₹3,000 per month. The money is sent directly to her bank account. The government uses Direct Benefit Transfer for this. The bank account must be linked with Aadhaar. This scheme will help many women across the state.
What is Annapurna Yojana?
Annapurna Yojana is a cash transfer scheme. It is only for women. The state government wants to support women financially. The money can be used for anything the woman needs. It could be for food, medicines, or children’s school fees. The government believes that giving money directly to women makes them stronger and more independent. The scheme was notified by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare on 19 May 2026.
Who Can Get This Money?
Not every woman can get this money. There are some simple rules.
Age limit: Women must be between 25 and 60 years old. If you are younger than 25 or older than 60, you cannot get the money.
No income tax: The woman must not be an income tax payer. If she pays income tax, she is not eligible.
No government job: The woman must not have a permanent government job. She also cannot get a regular salary or pension from the state or central government. This means women who work as teachers, police officers, or clerks in government offices cannot apply.
If a woman meets all these rules, she can get ₹3,000 every month.
Migration from Lakshmir Bhandar
Before Annapurna Yojana, West Bengal had another scheme. It was called Lakshmir Bhandar. Now the government is closing that scheme. All existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar will be moved to Annapurna Yojana. This is called migration.
But some people will not be migrated. The government will remove the following persons from the list:
-
Women who have died
-
Women who have shifted to another place
-
Women whose names are deleted for any reason
-
Women who are absentee electors (meaning they do not vote)
Only eligible women from the old scheme will get the new scheme’s benefits.
How to Apply for Annapurna Yojana
The government has set up an online portal. The portal opened on 1 June 2026. New applicants can use this portal to register. Here is how the process works:
-
Go to the official Annapurna Yojana website.
-
Fill in the application form. You will need your name, age, address, Aadhaar number, and bank account details.
-
Submit the form online.
-
Government officials will check your application. They will verify that the information is correct.
-
If everything is okay, your name will be added to the beneficiary list.
-
Then every month, ₹3,000 will be sent to your bank account.
There is no need to pay any money to apply. The scheme is free for all women.
Also Free Bus Travel for Women from 1 June 2026
The West Bengal government approved another good measure. From 1 June 2026, women can travel for free in state-run buses. These are buses operated by the state transport system. Private buses may not be included. This will help women go to work, markets, hospitals, and schools without spending money on bus fare. Together with Annapurna Yojana, this is a big step for women’s welfare in the state.
Why This Scheme Matters for Common People
Many women in West Bengal do not have their own income. They take care of the house and children. They work very hard but do not get a salary. Annapurna Yojana gives them their own money every month. This money is in their own bank account. They can decide how to spend it. This makes them feel respected and independent.
For example, a 35-year-old housewife with no job can now get ₹3,000. She can use it to buy vegetables, pay school fees, or save for emergencies. A 55-year-old widow who does not get a pension can also get this money. It will help her live with dignity.
The scheme also helps the local economy. When women have more money, they buy more things from local shops. This helps small businesses grow.
Exam-Focused Points
-
Annapurna Yojana launched in West Bengal with effect from 1 June 2026 .
-
Provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women.
-
Transfer method: Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts .
-
Eligibility age: 25 to 60 years.
-
Exclusions: Income tax payers, permanent government employees, those receiving regular government salary or pension.
-
All existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be migrated to Annapurna Yojana.
-
Excluded from migration: deceased, shifted, deleted, or absentee electors.
-
Online portal opened on 1 June 2026 for new applicants.
-
Scheme notified by Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare on 19 May 2026 .
-
Also from 1 June 2026: free bus travel for women in state-run buses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much money will a woman get every month under Annapurna Yojana?
A: She will get ₹3,000 per month.
Q2: Can a woman who pays income tax apply for this scheme?
A: No. Income tax payers are not eligible.