West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana, Begins ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women

The West Bengal government has officially rolled out the Annapurna Yojana, a major welfare initiative aimed at providing enhanced financial support to women across the state. The scheme became operational on June 3, with the first installment of ₹3,000 being credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

The launch marks a significant expansion of the state’s social welfare framework, with the new scheme replacing the existing Lakshmir Bhandar programme. Under Annapurna Yojana, eligible women will receive a uniform monthly assistance of ₹3,000, substantially increasing the financial support previously available under earlier welfare measures.

State authorities conducted the inauguration through a combination of central and local events, with beneficiaries participating from various districts, municipalities and urban centres. During the rollout, selected beneficiaries were also issued official sanction letters confirming their enrolment in the scheme.

Officials have urged recipients to ensure that their Aadhaar numbers are properly linked to their bank accounts to facilitate smooth transfer of funds. Beneficiaries can verify the credit of the amount through bank statements, SMS notifications, mobile banking applications, internet banking platforms, ATMs or by visiting their respective bank branches.

The scheme is intended for women between the ages of 25 and 60 years who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. Government employees, pensioners and income taxpayers are excluded from receiving benefits. Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar are expected to be transitioned to the new programme after the completion of verification procedures.

The state government believes the scheme will strengthen financial independence among women and provide greater economic security to households. Officials said the initiative is expected to benefit millions of women, particularly those from economically weaker sections.

As enrolment and verification drives continue across West Bengal, authorities have expressed confidence that Annapurna Yojana will emerge as one of the state’s largest women-focused welfare programmes, helping improve household incomes and support social development in both rural and urban areas.