Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026 — ₹3,000/Month Women Grant, West Bengal

The BJP government led by CM Suvendu Adhikari has launched the Annapurna Bhandar scheme — ₹3,000 per month via Direct Benefit Transfer for eligible women heads of household in West Bengal. This replaces the TMC's Lakshmir Bhandar (₹1,000–₹1,200/month) with a 2.5–3× increase in monthly benefit.

CM Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in on 9 May 2026. Official notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 was issued on 19 May 2026. Scheme launches 1 June 2026.

What is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?

Annapurna Bhandar (literally "storehouse of abundance") is the West Bengal BJP government's flagship women income support scheme — providing ₹3,000 per month directly to eligible women's Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. It is implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal.

How it Compares:

*Lakshmir Bhandar started at ₹1,000 (Gen) / ₹1,200 (SC/ST) in 2021. TMC increased it to ₹1,500/₹1,700 in February 2026 shortly before elections.

The BJP's Annapurna Bhandar is ₹3,000 for all categories — the SC/ST differential is removed; everyone gets the same higher amount. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are automatically migrated — no fresh application needed.

Key Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Who is NOT Eligible?

• Government employees and their immediate family members
• Income-tax paying households
• Women receiving equivalent monthly state government DBT already
• Women under 25 or over 60 years of age
• Non-residents or recent migrants (minimum WB residency required)

Lakshmir Bhandar → Annapurna Bhandar: What Changes?

For existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries: The BJP government is expected to migrate verified beneficiaries to Annapurna Bhandar. You may need to re-verify your details at the e-District portal. Official announcement at wb.gov.in.

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card (mandatory — Aadhaar-linked bank account required for DBT)
• Voter ID / EPIC Card
• Bank Passbook (showing account number and IFSC — must be Aadhaar-linked)
• Income Certificate (from BDO / SDO office)
• Domicile Proof (voter ID, ration card, or utility bill showing WB address)
• Ration Card (West Bengal state ration card)
• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants — if applicable)
• Passport-size photograph (recent colour photograph)
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification and SMS payment alerts)

How to Apply

Online — WB e-District Portal (from 1 June 2026)

1. Visit edistrict.wb.gov.in
2. Register with your mobile number + Aadhaar OTP (new users)
3. Search "Annapurna Bhandar" or browse "Women and Child Development" schemes
4. Fill application form with name, DOB, address (as per Aadhaar), bank details, ration card number
5. Upload scanned copies of all required documents (PDF/JPEG under 2MB each)
6. Submit — note the SMS reference number
7. Track status at e-District portal → "Track Application"

Offline — BDO Office or CSC

1. Visit your Block Development Office (BDO), Sub-Division Office (SDO), or Common Service Centre (CSC)
2. Carry originals + photocopies of all documents
3. Operator will fill and submit the online application on your behalf
4. Collect printed acknowledgement with reference number

West Bengal Helpline: 1800-103-0136 (toll-free)

How to Check Payment Status

1. Visit edistrict.wb.gov.in → "Track Application" → Enter reference number
2. Once approved, check your Aadhaar-linked bank account on the 1st–10th of each month
3. SMS alert will be sent to your registered mobile on successful credit

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Annapurna Bhandar payment start?

The scheme officially launches 1 June 2026. First payments are expected to be credited in June 2026 for approved applicants.

I was receiving Lakshmir Bhandar ₹1,000/month — do I need to reapply?

Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are expected to be migrated automatically, but you may need to re-verify Aadhaar and bank details at the e-District portal. Watch for official instructions at wb.gov.in or at your BDO office.

Is there a separate amount for SC/ST women under Annapurna Bhandar?

No — unlike Lakshmir Bhandar (which paid ₹1,000 for General and ₹1,200 for SC/ST), Annapurna Bhandar pays ₹3,000 to all eligible women regardless of caste category.

What is the annual benefit of ₹3,000/month?

₹3,000 × 12 = ₹36,000 per year credited directly to your bank account. This is 3× the earlier ₹12,000/year under Lakshmir Bhandar.

Can widows apply for Annapurna Bhandar?

Yes. Widows, divorced women, separated women, and single women aged 25–60 who are WB residents and meet the income criteria are fully eligible.

What if I am 62 years old — can I apply?

Annapurna Bhandar covers women aged 25 to 60 years. If you are above 60, you are not eligible for this scheme. However, you may be eligible for the ₹2,000/month old-age pension also launched by the BJP government on 1 June 2026.

Is the scheme available for women in Kolkata city?

Yes. The scheme covers all West Bengal districts including Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.

What if my bank account is not Aadhaar-linked?

Visit your nearest bank branch with your Aadhaar card and passbook. Aadhaar seeding is free and takes 2–3 working days to reflect. You can also get it done at a CSC centre.