West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana: ₹3000/Month for Women!
West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana: ₹3000/Month for Women!
West Bengal's new Annapurna Yojana is here! CM Suvendu Adhikari rolls out ₹3000 monthly aid for over 28 lakh women, fulfilling a key BJP poll promise. Get all the details!
West Bengal's government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has officially launched the ambitious Annapurna Bhandar scheme, promising significant financial relief to women across the State. On Wednesday, June 4, 2026, the Chief Minister inaugurated the direct cash transfer scheme, personally handing out cheques to five initial beneficiaries at the State Secretariat.
Under the Annapurna Yojana, eligible women will receive a substantial ₹3000 per month. This initiative is set to benefit a staggering 28,25,769 approved beneficiaries, with the registration process continuing for the next three months to ensure widespread participation. The government has pledged to assist beneficiaries through the registration process, giving them 90 days to sign up. Women aged between 25 and 60 years are eligible for this crucial support.
This new scheme represents a fulfillment of a key poll promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It effectively doubles the incentive previously offered under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which provided ₹1500. Minister of Women and Child Development, Agnimitra Paul, clarified that former beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will need to re-register for the Annapurna Yojana. She attributed the need for fresh applications to alleged corruption in the implementation of the previous regime's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
In a move aimed at enhancing transparency, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal announced that the list of Annapurna Yojana beneficiaries will be made public. This will allow citizens to raise objections if they believe any non-deserving individual is receiving benefits, fostering accountability. However, the scheme has also faced some criticism, particularly regarding its extensive 11-page application form, which some find cumbersome. The government remains committed to supporting women and ensuring the smooth implementation of this vital welfare program.
