Annapurna Yojana is a monthly financial assistance scheme run by the Government of West Bengal that deposits ₹3,000 directly into the bank accounts of eligible women every month. It replaced the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in June 2026 and is now one of the most searched welfare schemes in the state.
Annapurna Yojana is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme administered by the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal. Its purpose is to give eligible women a fixed monthly income so they can meet basic needs such as food, medicine, and household expenses, while also promoting financial independence.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Yojana (also called Annapurna Bhandar) |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Launch Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Monthly Benefit | ₹3,000 per eligible woman |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| Replaces | Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme |
| Age Limit | 25 to 60 years |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Application Fee | None (Free scheme) |
| Administering Department | Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Dept, West Bengal |
Objective of the Scheme
The scheme has three main goals:
- Provide direct, no-strings-attached monthly cash support to economically weaker women
- Reduce dependence on informal borrowing for basic household needs
- Strengthen financial inclusion by routing money only through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Eligibility Criteria
Not every woman in West Bengal qualifies automatically. The state has laid out clear conditions to identify genuine beneficiaries.
Who Can Apply
- Must be a female permanent resident of West Bengal
- Age must be between 25 and 60 years
- Must not hold permanent government employment
- Must not receive a regular government salary or pension (Centre, state, statutory body, government undertaking, panchayat, municipality, or local body)
- Monthly personal income should generally be below ₹10,000
- Household annual income should generally be below ₹12 lakh
- Must have a valid, active Aadhaar-linked bank account
Who Cannot Apply
| Category | Eligibility Status |
|---|---|
| Government employees (permanent) | Not Eligible |
| Pensioners drawing government pension | Not Eligible |
| Income-tax payers | Not Eligible |
| Staff of government-aided institutions | Not Eligible |
| Family members holding a GSTIN | Not Eligible |
| Non-residents of West Bengal | Not Eligible |
| Women aged below 25 or above 60 | Not Eligible |
A Note on Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries
Women who were already receiving benefits under Lakshmir Bhandar are generally migrated automatically to Annapurna Yojana, provided their bank account is active and correctly Aadhaar-linked, and they clear the fresh verification process.
How Much Money Do You Get? (Benefit Breakdown)
The headline benefit is ₹3,000 per month, credited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account. Below is a simple visual comparison of how this amount compares to the earlier scheme structure, shown as a relative bar chart using text blocks.
Monthly Benefit Comparison (Illustrative)
| Scheme | Monthly Amount | Visual Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshmir Bhandar (General Category) | ₹1,000 | ▓▓▓▓ |
| Lakshmir Bhandar (SC/ST Category) | ₹1,200 | ▓▓▓▓▓ |
| Annapurna Yojana (All Eligible Women) | ₹3,000 | ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ |
What this means: Annapurna Yojana removes the earlier category-based gap and gives a flat, higher amount of ₹3,000 to every eligible woman, regardless of caste category.
Annual Benefit Projection Table
| Period | Number of Instalments | Total Amount Received |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 1 | ₹3,000 |
| 3 Months (Quarter) | 3 | ₹9,000 |
| 6 Months | 6 | ₹18,000 |
| 12 Months (1 Year) | 12 | ₹36,000 |
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before you start the application. Requirements may be updated from time to time by the department, so always confirm the final checklist on the official portal.
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory, must be linked to bank account)
- Bank Passbook / Account Details (Aadhaar-seeded account)
- Proof of Residence (Voter ID, Domicile Certificate, or Ration Card)
- Age Proof (Birth Certificate, Voter ID, or Aadhaar)
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Income Certificate (if requested during verification)
- Valid Mobile Number (linked for OTP verification)
How to Apply for Annapurna Yojana
You can apply through either an online or an offline route. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
Online vs Offline Application
| Aspect | Online Application | Offline Application |
|---|---|---|
| Where to Apply | West Bengal Social Registry / Official Government Portal | BDO Office, SDO Office, or KMC Ward Office |
| Documents Needed | Same as listed above (uploaded as scans) | Same as listed above (physical copies) |
| Processing Time | Generally faster | May take longer due to manual entry |
| Best For | Applicants comfortable with internet/smartphone use | Applicants in rural or low-connectivity areas |
| Application Fee | Free | Free |
Step-by-Step Online Process
- Visit the official West Bengal government scheme portal
- Look for the “Annapurna Yojana” or “Annapurna Bhandar” application link
- Register using your mobile number and complete OTP verification
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear in your Aadhaar card
- Upload the required documents (Aadhaar, bank passbook, photo, residence proof)
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and note down the application reference number
- Keep the reference number safe for future status checks
Step-by-Step Offline Process
- Visit your nearest BDO office, SDO office, or KMC ward office
- Collect the Family Level Data Collection / application form
- Fill in the form using accurate, verified information
- Attach self-attested photocopies of required documents
- Submit the form at the designated counter
- Collect an acknowledgment slip with your application number
- Track status later using this acknowledgment reference
How to Check Application Status
- Visit the official scheme portal
- Locate the “Check Status” or “Application Status” section
- Enter your application reference number or registered mobile number
- Verify the OTP sent to your mobile
- View your current application/payment status on screen
Payment Schedule and Instalment Tracking
| Month | Typical Credit Window |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | First phase of transfers began 3 June 2026 |
| Subsequent Months | Around the same date range each month, subject to verification |
| September 2026 | Instalment credited around 17 September 2026 |
Important: Exact dates can shift slightly month to month. Beneficiaries should always confirm the latest instalment date through the official portal or the department’s helpline rather than relying on unofficial sources.
Reasons Your Payment May Be Delayed or Rejected
- Mismatch between Aadhaar details and bank account details
- Bank account not linked with Aadhaar/DBT
- Incomplete or pending verification
- Duplicate or deleted beneficiary record
- Incorrect information or fake documents submitted
- Applicant found ineligible during district-level verification
Points to Remember Before Applying
- Ensure your bank account is Aadhaar-linked before applying
- Enter all details exactly as they appear on official documents
- Submit only genuine, verifiable information
- Apply only through official government portals or authorised centres
- Never share Aadhaar numbers, bank details, or OTPs with unofficial websites or individuals
- Keep your application/reference number safe for future tracking
Comparison with Similar Women-Welfare Schemes in Other States
| State | Scheme Name | Monthly Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | Annapurna Yojana | ₹3,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Ladli Bahna Yojana | Varies by state notification |
| Maharashtra | Ladki Bahin Yojana | Varies by state notification |
| Odisha | Subhadra Yojana | Annual disbursal model |
Amounts in other states are subject to change based on their respective government notifications; always check each state’s official portal for current figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Annapurna Yojana?
It is a West Bengal government welfare scheme that provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer into their Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Who is eligible for the ₹3,000 benefit?
Female permanent residents of West Bengal aged 25 to 60 years, who are not government employees, pensioners, or income-tax payers, and who meet the income conditions set by the state.
Do existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?
In most cases, no. Their records are typically migrated automatically, provided their bank account is active and correctly Aadhaar-linked and they pass fresh verification.
Is there any fee to apply for Annapurna Yojana?
No. The application process is completely free. Be cautious of any website or agent asking for payment to “process” your application.
How will I receive the money?
The amount is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system every month.
What should I do if my payment does not arrive?
Check whether your bank account is Aadhaar-linked and your KYC is complete. If everything appears correct and payment is still missing, contact the official helpline or visit your nearest BDO/SDO/ward office for assistance.
Can I apply if I live outside West Bengal?
No. Only permanent residents of West Bengal are eligible under the current scheme guidelines.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Application Form Link | Click Here |
| Official Site | Click Here |
| Check Application Status | Click Here |
| Other Yojana Info | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
| More Government Schemes Directory | Click Here |