Here's what you need to know
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme (also called Annapurna Yojana) is West Bengal's flagship women's welfare program launched in June 2026. It provides ₹3,000 per month in direct financial assistance to eligible women through DBT into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. This doubles the previous Lakshmir Bhandar payout of ₹1,500–₹1,700 and removes caste-based distinctions. Over 1.6 crore applications were received, with ~1.3 crore approved and ~26 lakh rejected. The state has allocated ₹36,000 crore for the scheme in the 2026-27 budget. The application window closes August 25, 2026 — so eligible women should apply soon.
Short answer
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women in West Bengal aged 25-60 who are registered voters and permanent residents. It replaces the older Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, doubling the financial assistance and removing caste-based payout differences. Applications can be made online via the Social Registry Portal or offline at local BDO/Municipal offices and Janakalyan Shibir camps. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are automatically migrated unless they are deceased, shifted, or deleted from voter rolls. The deadline to apply is August 25, 2026.
Official sources. All information in this article is sourced from official West Bengal government notifications, the Social Security Portal, and publicly available scheme documents. For the most current updates, always refer to the official portals: socialregistry.wb.gov.in.
Introduction
The West Bengal government has launched one of India's most ambitious women's welfare schemes — the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme (also known as Annapurna Yojana). Under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, this flagship program provides ₹3,000 per month in direct financial assistance to eligible women across the state.
This scheme was a major electoral promise during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections and officially came into effect on June 1, 2026.
Whether you're a homemaker, widow, divorcee, or unemployed woman, this guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility and documents to the step-by-step application process and latest updates.
Annapurna Bhandar vs Lakshmir Bhandar: What's Changed?
The new scheme replaces the older Lakshmir Bhandar with significant improvements:
| Feature | Lakshmir Bhandar (Old) | Annapurna Bhandar (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payout | ₹1,500 (General) / ₹1,700 (SC/ST) | Flat ₹3,000 for all |
| Caste Distinction | Yes | No – uniform for all |
| Verification | Primarily self-declaration | Social Impact Review & field verification |
The new scheme doubles the financial assistance and removes the previous category-based division, ensuring every eligible woman receives equal support.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for Annapurna Bhandar, you must meet ALL of the following conditions:
Basic Eligibility ✅
Who is NOT Eligible ❌
You cannot apply if:
- You are in permanent government employment receiving a regular salary or pension (central/state government, statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities, or government-aided educational institutions)
- You are a retired government employee receiving a pension
- You are an income taxpayer
- Your name has been deleted from electoral rolls (unless you have applied under CAA or appealed before the SIR Tribunal)
- You are deceased, have shifted residence, or are an absentee elector identified during SIR-2026
What Documents Do You Need?
Keep these documents ready before applying:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity & age proof |
| Voter ID / Proof of Residence | Domicile & voter status |
| Bank Account Details | For DBT transfer (must be Aadhaar-linked) |
| Passport-sized Photograph | Application form |
| Mobile Number | Must be linked to Aadhaar |
Additional documents that may be required: Ration card, PAN card, Land ownership documents (if applicable), Income proof.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Option 1: Online Application
- Step 1: Visit the official portal – https://socialregistry.wb.gov.in/ (or socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login)
- Step 2: Click on "Apply Online" or "New Application"
- Step 3: Download the application form (available in English, Bengali, and Hindi)
- Step 4: Fill in all personal and family details carefully – the form is approximately 11-12 pages long and requires details about family identification, household assets, income details, other welfare schemes, and health insurance.
- Step 5: Upload/attach all required documents
- Step 6: Submit the form online
- Step 7: Save the acknowledgement/reference number for tracking
Option 2: Offline Application
- Step 1: Collect the physical form from your local Block Development Office (BDO), Municipal/Panchayat office, or Janakalyan Shibir (special camps).
- Step 2: Fill the form in block letters (use blue or black ink)
- Step 3: Attach photocopies of all required documents
- Step 4: Submit at the designated local office/camp
- Step 5: Get an acknowledgement/receipt
Important: Government officials will also visit households to help women fill application forms.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Approval | May 18, 2026 |
| Official Notification | May 19, 2026 |
| Application Forms Released | May 27, 2026 |
| Scheme Launched / First Disbursement | June 1, 2026 |
| Application Window (90 days) | May 27, 2026 – August 25, 2026 |
| Janakalyan Shibir (Special Camps) | June 15–17, 2026 |
Verification Process
After you apply, your application will go through a thorough verification process:
- Field-level verification by Block Development Officers (BDOs) in rural areas
- Verification by Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) in urban areas
- KMC officers handle verification in Kolkata Municipal Corporation areas
- Final approval by District Magistrates (or KMC Commissioner in Kolkata)
Only verified and eligible applicants will begin receiving the monthly assistance.
What Happens to Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries?
If you are already receiving money under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme:
✅ You will be automatically migrated to Annapurna Yojana – you do not need to apply again.
❌ However, you will NOT be migrated if:
- You are deceased
- You have shifted residence
- You are an absentee elector during SIR-2026
- Your name has been deleted from electoral rolls after verification
- You are found to be ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate)
Exception: If you have filed an appeal before the SIR Tribunal or applied under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, you will continue to receive financial assistance until your case is decided.
Latest Updates (As of July 7, 2026)
The West Bengal government has started transferring ₹3,000 directly into bank accounts of eligible women under Annapurna Bhandar.
~1.6 crore applications received, ~1.3 crore found genuine, and ~26 lakh rejected due to citizenship, death, or duplicate accounts.
The West Bengal government has allocated ₹36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana in the 2026-27 budget.
Along with the cash benefit, the state has also cleared a policy offering free state-run bus travel for women.
How to Check Your Application Status
Visit the official portal – https://socialregistry.wb.gov.in/ – and use your application reference number to track your status.
Important Precautions ⚠️
- Only use official government portals – avoid unofficial "apply now" websites claiming instant registration
- Never share your personal details unless on the legitimate application portal
- Keep your acknowledgement number safe – you'll need it for tracking
- Ensure your bank account is Aadhaar-linked – otherwise DBT will fail
- Double-check all details – incorrect information can lead to rejection
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can more than one woman from the same family apply?
A: Yes, each eligible woman can apply individually, provided she meets all eligibility criteria.
Q: Is there any application fee?
A: No, the application is completely free.
Q: What if I was a Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiary but my name was deleted from voter lists?
A: You will not be automatically migrated. However, if you have applied under CAA or appealed before the SIR Tribunal, you will continue to receive benefits until your case is decided.
Q: Do widows and divorcees qualify?
A: Yes, widows and divorcees are completely eligible, provided they are within the 25–60 age group and not drawing a regular government pension.
Quick Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Bhandar / Annapurna Yojana |
| Launched By | West Bengal Government (CM Suvendu Adhikari) |
| Monthly Benefit | ₹3,000 (DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank account) |
| Eligibility | Women aged 25-60, WB resident, registered voter |
| Application Window | May 27, 2026 – August 25, 2026 |
| Total Applications | ~1.6 crore |
| Approved | ~1.3 crore |
| Budget Allocation | ₹36,000 crore (2026-27) |
| Official Portal | socialregistry.wb.gov.in |
Takeaway
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme represents a significant expansion of women's welfare in West Bengal, doubling the previous financial assistance to ₹3,000 per month and removing caste-based distinctions.
With over 1.6 crore applications received and ₹36,000 crore allocated, this is one of India's largest direct benefit transfer schemes for women.
If you are an eligible woman in West Bengal, don't wait — the application window closes on August 25, 2026. Apply online at socialregistry.wb.gov.in or visit your nearest Block Development Office, municipal office, or Janakalyan Shibir to get started.
Official Resources
- Application Portal: https://socialregistry.wb.gov.in/
- Social Security Portal: https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login
- West Bengal Government Portal: https://wb.gov.in/