Annapurna Bhandar Scheme — West Bengal BJP Government ₹3,000/Month Women's Allowance

The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme is the flagship women's welfare programme of the West Bengal BJP government formed in May 2026. The scheme provides ₹3,000 per month directly into eligible women's bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The scheme was announced as the BJP came to power on May 9, 2026, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule in West Bengal. It effectively expands and rebrands the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme with a higher benefit amount.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

• Resident of West Bengal (with valid domicile)
• Female aged 18 years and above
• Should be from a family below or at a specified income threshold
• Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account for DBT
• SC/ST women may receive priority or enhanced benefit as notified

Note: Exact income eligibility criteria and SC/ST enhanced benefit slab will be published in the official government gazette. Check wb.gov.in for current notification.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card
• West Bengal voter ID or domicile certificate
• Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked account)
• Ration card or family income certificate
• Passport-size photograph

How to Apply

The application process is being rolled out through two channels:

1. Duare Sarkar Camps

West Bengal's doorstep service programme (Duare Sarkar) is the primary channel for Annapurna Bhandar enrolment. Government officials set up camps in each ward/village to register eligible women directly.

• Watch for Duare Sarkar camp dates in your area (announced via local panchayat/municipality)
• Bring original documents and photocopies
• Registration is done at the camp itself — no need to visit a separate office

2. Block Development Office / Municipal Office

• Visit your nearest BDO office (rural) or Municipality (urban)
• Collect and fill the Annapurna Bhandar application form
• Submit with self-attested copies of all documents
• Note your acknowledgement number for follow-up

Relationship to Lakshmir Bhandar

The previous TMC government's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provided ₹500–₹1,000/month to women. The BJP government has launched Annapurna Bhandar with a significantly higher benefit of ₹3,000/month, effectively replacing and upgrading the earlier programme.

Women already enrolled in Lakshmir Bhandar are expected to be transitioned to Annapurna Bhandar automatically; however, fresh enrolment is required if you were not previously enrolled.

Payment Schedule

• Monthly DBT directly to bank account
• Payments typically processed on a fixed date each month (date to be notified)
• Check your bank account or Aadhaar payment history on PFMS to track payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I was receiving Lakshmir Bhandar — will I automatically get Annapurna Bhandar? A: Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are expected to be migrated. However, re-verification may be required. Visit your BDO or Duare Sarkar camp to confirm your enrolment status.

Q: Can working women apply? A: Yes, unless the government specifies employment-based exclusions in its official notification. Check the latest wb.gov.in gazette notification for current rules.

Q: Is there a separate card or physical document issued? A: The scheme is expected to issue a Matrishakti Bharosa Card as a beneficiary ID. Carry this at Duare Sarkar camps to check your status.

Q: When will the first payment come? A: The scheme was launched in June 2026. First payments are expected within 1–2 months of enrolment verification. Check wb.gov.in for the official disbursement timeline.

Q: What if my bank account is not Aadhaar-linked? A: Link your Aadhaar to your bank account before applying. Visit your bank branch with your Aadhaar and passbook. DBT cannot be processed to an account that is not Aadhaar-seeded.

Official Links

• West Bengal Government: wb.gov.in
• Women & Child Development: wbcdwdsw.gov.in
• PFMS (track DBT payments): pfms.nic.in