West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana Launches With ₹3,000 Monthly Aid, June 09

West Bengal’s government formally launched the Annapurna Yojana on June 3, 2026, providing ₹3,000 per month directly to eligible women’s bank accounts. The scheme targets approximately 2 crore women and replaces the previous Lakshmir Bhandar program. Over 28 lakh women have already received their first payment. The government expanded old-age, widow, and disability pensions from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 monthly on the same date.

Who Gets the Money and How

Women aged 25 to 60 living in West Bengal qualify for the scheme. Government employees, pensioners, and income taxpayers are excluded. The state cabinet approved the rollout on May 18, 2026, and payments began on June 1. Direct Bank Transfer deposits ₹3,000 into beneficiaries’ accounts monthly. The application window remains open for 90 days from May 27 to August 25, 2026.

Progress and Scale of Implementation

Over 28 lakh women received ₹3,000 each by June 3, 2026. The government updates beneficiary lists every seven days. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that 50 lakh women have received payments as of early June. The scheme aims to cover approximately 2 crore women across the state. Sanction letters were distributed to 100 selected beneficiaries in each block and municipal area immediately after launch.

Replacing the Previous Welfare Program

The Annapurna Yojana replaces the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, which provided lower benefits. Government officials detected massive fraud in the previous program, prompting stricter oversight for the new scheme. The new program doubles the monthly assistance from the old scheme. Women and Child Welfare Department oversees implementation across West Bengal.

Broader Welfare Expansion in the State

West Bengal increased old-age, widow, and disability pensions from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month, effective June 1, 2026. The government also launched free bus travel for women on state-operated buses starting June 1. The state cabinet decided to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in July 2026, covering over 6 crore residents with ₹5,00,000 annual hospitalization coverage per family.

Final Thoughts

West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana delivers ₹3,000 monthly to eligible women through direct bank transfer, with 28 lakh already enrolled. The scheme replaces a fraud-plagued predecessor and signals the state’s expanded welfare commitment under its new BJP government.

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