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What is Bengal’s Annapurna Bhandar Scheme? Who can apply? What are the documents required? What happens to the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme beneficiaries? News18 explains
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. (File Photo: PTI)
Homemakers, widows, divorcees, and unemployed women can apply for West Bengal’s newly launched Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, which officially goes live on June 1.
News18 explains the criteria to avail the benefits.
THE ANNAPURNA BHANDAR SCHEME
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme , also officially termed the Annapurna Yojana, is a newly introduced women’s welfare initiative by the Government of West Bengal. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the scheme provides direct financial aid of ₹3,000 per month to eligible women to support household expenses, healthcare, and daily living costs.
The scheme officially replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, and direct bank transfers to beneficiaries are scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026.
Key Benefits
- Monthly Financial Aid: Eligible women receive ₹3,000 every month.
- Direct Transfer: Funds are credited seamlessly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
- Automatic Migration: Current beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme are automatically transitioned into the Annapurna Bhandar scheme.
WHO CAN APPLY?
To qualify for the monthly assistance, applicants must meet the following baseline conditions:
Gender: Only women can apply.
Residency: Must be a permanent resident and citizen of India residing in West Bengal.
Age Limit: Women must be between 25 and 60 years old.
Employment Status: Must not be a permanent government employee or receive any regular government salary/pension.
Financial Status: Must not be an active income tax payer.
Bank Account: You must possess an active, personal bank account linked to your Aadhaar card.
Residency: You must be a permanent resident and registered voter of West Bengal.
HOW TO APPLY?
Application forms are officially released on May 27, 2026, and registration processes operate via both online and offline routes.
Online Process: The official government portal will accept fresh registrations starting 1 June 2026. New users can register with their mobile number via OTP, fill out personal details, and upload documents.
Offline Process: Physical forms can be collected and submitted locally. Government representatives and local offices—including Block Development Offices (BDO), Municipalities, and local camps—will directly assist households with manual form submissions.
Required Documents: Be prepared to provide your Aadhaar Card, Voter ID (for domicile proof), active bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked), and passport-size photographs.
FOR EXISTING LAKSHMIR BHANDAR BENEFICIARIES
For existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries, local departments are handling internal departmental verifications and standard KYC checks. Ensure your bank account remains fully linked with your Aadhaar card to avoid any payment disruption.
YOU CANNOT APPLY IF…
Even if you fit the categories above, you cannot apply if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You or your household are active income taxpayers.
- You hold a permanent job with the Central or State government, municipal bodies, panchayats, or statutory authorities.
- You receive a regular salary or pension from any government-aided educational institution or public undertaking.
3 POINTS TO REMEMBER: WHAT THIS MEANS
Homemakers and unemployed women are prime candidates for this program as they do not draw a taxable government salary.
Widows & divorcees are completely eligible to apply on their merits, provided they are within the 25–60 age group and not drawing a regular government employee pension.
If you were already receiving benefits under the older Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, you do not need to apply again. The state government will automatically migrate your details, and your monthly payout will automatically increase to ₹3,000.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS YOU NEED?
If you are applying as a new applicant when the dedicated Annapurna Bhandar Portal launches on June 1, ensure you have these documents ready:
• Aadhaar Card and Voter ID Card
• Ration Card (BPL, AAY, or PHH categories)
• Bank Passbook Copy (clearly showing your IFSC code and account number)
• Passport-size Photograph
• Active Mobile Number (for OTP authentication)
New online and offline applications through local municipal or block offices will formally open on June 1, 2026.
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