Annapurna Yojana 2026: The Government of West Bengal has introduced the Annapurna Yojana, a welfare initiative aimed at strengthening women’s financial security and promoting socio-economic empowerment. Implemented by the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, the scheme provides eligible women with ₹3,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
According to the scheme guidelines, the financial assistance is credited directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. The state government has also announced that existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme will be migrated to the Annapurna Yojana, subject to prescribed conditions.
Online applications for new beneficiaries are available through the Annapurna Yojana Portal from 1 June 2026.
Annapurna Yojana 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Yojana |
| State | West Bengal |
| Implementing Department | Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department |
| Benefit Type | Monthly Financial Assistance |
| Assistance Amount | ₹3,000 per month |
| Mode of Transfer | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Beneficiary Category | Eligible Women |
| Age Limit | 25 to 60 Years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Bank Account Requirement | Aadhaar-linked Bank Account |
What is Annapurna Yojana?
Annapurna Yojana is a welfare initiative of the Government of West Bengal designed to provide regular financial assistance to eligible women residing in the state. The scheme aims to strengthen financial independence and support socio-economic upliftment through monthly monetary assistance.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive ₹3,000 every month. The funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, helping ensure transparency and reducing delays in payment distribution.
The state government has also stated that existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme may be migrated to Annapurna Yojana, subject to prescribed eligibility and administrative conditions.
Benefits of Annapurna Yojana
Eligible beneficiaries can receive the following benefits:
- Monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000.
- Direct transfer of funds through the DBT mechanism.
- Increased financial support for eligible women.
- Transparent payment process through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
- Continuation of benefits for eligible migrated beneficiaries from Lakshmir Bhandar, as per government guidelines.
Benefit Details
| Benefit Component | Description |
| Monthly Assistance | ₹3,000 per month |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Transfer Destination | Aadhaar-linked Bank Account |
| Frequency | Monthly |
Annapurna Yojana Eligibility Criteria
Women interested in the scheme should carefully review the eligibility conditions notified by the government.
Basic Eligibility
An applicant must:
- Be a woman.
- Be between 25 and 60 years of age.
- Be a resident eligible under the scheme guidelines issued by the state government.
- Not be employed in permanent government service receiving a regular salary or pension from:
- Union Government
- State Government
- Statutory Bodies
- Government Undertakings
- Panchayats
- Municipal Bodies
- Local Bodies
- State Government-aided educational institutions (teaching or non-teaching staff)
- Not be an Income Tax payer.
Eligibility Summary Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Gender | Woman |
| Age | 25–60 Years |
| Government Employment | Not Eligible if in permanent government service with regular salary/pension |
| Income Tax Status | Should not be paying Income Tax |
Migration of Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries
As per the scheme details, existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme are proposed to be migrated to Annapurna Yojana, except in specific cases identified through administrative verification processes.
The government has also indicated that beneficiaries who have filed appeals before the relevant tribunal or submitted applications under applicable legal provisions may continue receiving financial assistance until the disposal of their cases, subject to official rules and decisions.
Beneficiary records may also be updated periodically in accordance with government verification procedures.
How to Apply for Annapurna Yojana?
The government has provided an online application facility for new applicants on the official Annapurna Yojana Portal as of 1 June 2026.
Online Application Process
- Visit the official Annapurna Yojana application portal.
- Select the district from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the registered mobile number.
- Access the Family Level Data Collection form.
- Fill in the details of the head of the family and other family members.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review the information entered and submit the application.
- Save the generated Application ID for future reference.
Important: Submission of an application does not automatically guarantee approval. Applications are subject to verification and fulfillment of government-prescribed eligibility conditions.
Important Link
Documents Required
Applicants may be required to provide the following documents and details during the application process:
| Document/Detail | Status |
| Aadhaar Card | Required |
| EPIC Card/Voter ID Card | Required |
| Ration Card Details | If Available |
| PAN Card of Family Members | If Available |
| Land Details | If Available |
| Swasthya Sathi Card Number | If Available |
File Requirements
- Accepted Formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, PNG
- File Size: 50 KB to 200 KB
Important Points to Remember
- Financial assistance is transferred only through DBT.
- An Aadhaar-linked bank account is necessary for receiving benefits.
- Applicants should provide accurate information and valid supporting documents.
- Government authorities may conduct verification before granting benefits.
- Eligibility and implementation rules may be revised through future government notifications.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Annapurna Yojana Notification Release | 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Not Announced Yet |
| Document Verification | As per the Government Schedule |
| Benefit Disbursement | After Approval and Verification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Annapurna Yojana?
The Annapurna Yojana is a welfare scheme of the Government of West Bengal that provides monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women for socio-economic support and empowerment.
Which department implements the scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal.
Who can apply for Annapurna Yojana?
Women aged between 25 and 60 years who satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions may apply through the official portal.
