🟢 MOST UPDATED INFORMATION REGARDING LAUNCH OF ANNAPOORNA BANDAR YOJANA (June, 2026): As per an official notification, the process of the Annapoorna Bandar Scheme of the Government of West Bengal has been initiated. The Annapoorna bandar scheme has been introduced in the state of West Bengal on 3rd June 2026 by the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mr. Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna. The amount of ₹3,000 under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has been credited into the bank accounts of 28,25,769 eligible women in Bengal. Free transportation facility via buses is available from 1st June 2026 for eligible women. Applications are accepted until 25th August 2026.
Individuals enrolling under the Lakshmira Bhandar Scheme will get the benefit of automatic migration. If one wants to see whether he/she has migrated successfully to the Annapoorn Bhandar Scheme, then he/she may verify the same by checking the details in the bank account given below. Individuals who are filing their applications for the scheme for the very first time will get the application forms in Bangla, Hindi & English languages at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.
🟢 SCHEME LIVE | First DBT: 3 June 2026 (28.25 Lakh Women) | Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 | Helpline: 1800-345-5555
📰 Latest News & Official Updates
- ✅ 3 June 2026: CM Suvendu Adhikari formally launched the scheme at Nabanna. First DBT of ₹3,000 credited to 28,25,769 women.
- ✅ Official Portal LIVE: socialsecurity.wb.gov.in — apply online & check status
- ✅ Application Form: Available in Bengali, Hindi, and English (released 27 May 2026)
- ✅ Free Bus Travel: Active on all government buses since 1 June 2026
- ✅ Helpline: 1800-345-5555 (for application/status queries)
- ⏰ Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 (90-day enrollment window)
Annapurna Yojana District-Wise Updates (West Bengal)
Below is the complete list of all 23 districts of West Bengal where Annapurna Yojana is now active. Click “Check Updates” next to your district for district-wise news, BDO/SDO office contacts, and special registration camps for new applicants.
| Sl. | District | Bengali Name | Latest Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alipurduar | আলিপুরদুয়ার | Check Updates → |
| 2 | Bankura | বাঁকুড়া | Check Updates → |
| 3 | Birbhum | বীরভূম | Check Updates → |
| 4 | Cooch Behar | কোচবিহার | Check Updates → |
| 5 | Dakshin Dinajpur | দক্ষিণ দিনাজপুর | Check Updates → |
| 6 | Darjeeling | দার্জিলিং | Check Updates → |
| 7 | Hooghly | হুগলি | Check Updates → |
| 8 | Howrah | হাওড়া | Check Updates → |
| 9 | Jalpaiguri | জলপাইগুড়ি | Check Updates → |
| 10 | Jhargram | ঝাড়গ্রাম | Check Updates → |
| 11 | Kalimpong | কালিম্পং | Check Updates → |
| 12 | Kolkata | কলকাতা | Check Updates → |
| 13 | Malda | মালদা | Check Updates → |
| 14 | Murshidabad | মুর্শিদাবাদ | Check Updates → |
| 15 | Nadia | নদীয়া | Check Updates → |
| 16 | North 24 Parganas | উত্তর ২৪ পরগনা | Check Updates → |
| 17 | Paschim Bardhaman | পশ্চিম বর্ধমান | Check Updates → |
| 18 | Paschim Medinipur | পশ্চিম মেদিনীপুর | Check Updates → |
| 19 | Purba Bardhaman | পূর্ব বর্ধমান | Check Updates → |
| 20 | Purba Medinipur | পূর্ব মেদিনীপুর | Check Updates → |
| 21 | Purulia | পুরুলিয়া | Check Updates → |
| 22 | South 24 Parganas | দক্ষিণ ২৪ পরগনা | Check Updates → |
| 23 | Uttar Dinajpur | উত্তর দিনাজপুর | Check Updates → |
Table of Contents
- What is Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar)?
- Official Timeline & Notification Details
- Scheme Overview at a Glance
- Eligibility – Who Can Get ₹3,000
- For Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries
- For New Applicants – How to Apply
- Documents Required
- Status Check & Payment Verification
- Annapurna Yojana vs Lakshmir Bhandar
- Free Bus Travel for Women
- Important Warnings & Fraud Alert
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar)?
The Annapurna Yojana or Annapurna Bhandaar Prakalpa (অন্নপূর্ণা ভান্ডার প্রকল্প) is one such DBT scheme implemented by the government of West Bengal that guarantees the transfer of ₹3,000 monthly directly into the bank accounts of the women with their Aadhar number registered individually. ‘Annapurna’ is an allegory of the Hindu goddess of nutrition.
BJP announced the implementation of the ‘Annapurna Yojana’ during its campaign in its ‘Bhoroshar Shopoth’ manifest promise during the election 2026 of West Bengal. As the party won 207 of 294 total seats in the state, therefore, the scheme came to effect from the very first cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mr. Suvendu Adhikari of May 11, 2026. Thus, the scheme is effective from Government Notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 dated 19 May 2026. The very next month, i.e., in June 2026, a sum of ₹3,000 was directly deposited in the bank account of 28,25,769 women of West Bengal.
The newly launched scheme of Annapurna scheme has replaced the older version of the same which guaranteed the deposition of only ₹1,500 or ₹1,700 in the bank accounts of women per month. With the implementation of the Annapurna Yojana, ₹3,000 will be deposited per month of all women, regardless of their caste or creed.
Must read: Lottery Sambad 1 PM Result
Official Timeline & Notification Details
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 9 May 2026 | Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal |
| 11 May 2026 | First Cabinet meeting at Nabanna — scheme officially announced |
| 18 May 2026 | Second Cabinet meeting finalises 90-day enrollment window; DBT confirmed as only payment mode |
| 19 May 2026 | Official Notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 issued — scheme officially named “Annapurna Yojana” |
| 27 May 2026 | 11-page application form released by CM at Nabanna (Bengali, Hindi, English) |
| 1 June 2026 | Scheme officially launched; free bus travel begins on all government buses |
| 3 June 2026 | CM formally inaugurates scheme at Nabanna; first DBT ₹3,000 to 28,25,769 women; online portal goes live |
| 25 August 2026 | Application deadline (last date for new enrollment) |
Annapurna Yojana Scheme Overview at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Scheme Name | Annapurna Yojana (also called Annapurna Bhandar Prakalpa) |
| Notification No. | 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 dated 19 May 2026 |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal (CM Suvendu Adhikari) |
| Nodal Department | Women & Child Development and Social Welfare (Minister: Agnimitra Paul) |
| Monthly Benefit | ₹3,000 per month |
| Yearly Benefit | ₹36,000 per year |
| First DBT Date | 3 June 2026 (to 28,25,769 women) |
| Beneficiary | Women aged 25–60 of West Bengal (uniform amount, no caste differentiation) |
| Replaces | Lakshmir Bhandar (₹1,500 / ₹1,700) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| For Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Holders | Auto-migrated after verification |
| For New Applicants | Apply online at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in OR offline at BDO/SDO/Municipality |
| Application Window | 27 May 2026 – 25 August 2026 (90 days) |
| Bonus Benefit | Free bus travel for women on government buses (since 1 June 2026) |
| Application Fee | FREE |
| Official Portal | socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
| Helpline | 1800-345-5555 |
Eligibility – Who Can Get ₹3,000 (Officially Confirmed)
The Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare has officially specified eligibility through the May 19 notification. To qualify for the ₹3,000 monthly benefit, you must satisfy all the following conditions:
1. Female Applicant Only
The scheme is exclusively for women. Male applicants are not eligible.
2. Permanent Resident of West Bengal
You must be a permanent resident of West Bengal. Voter ID, Aadhaar, or Domicile Certificate is required as proof. CAA citizenship applicants and women with pending voter tribunal appeals are also eligible.
3. Age 25 to 60 Years
Your age must be between 25 and 60 years on the date of application (officially confirmed). Women below 25 or above 60 are not eligible under Annapurna Yojana.
4. Valid Ration Card (BPL / AAY / PHH)
Your family must hold a valid ration card under one of these categories: BPL (Below Poverty Line), AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana), or PHH (Priority Household). Households with only an APL card or no ration card are NOT eligible.
5. Aadhaar-Linked Single Bank Account
You must have a bank account solely in your own name (not joint), with Aadhaar linked and DBT-active. Make sure your mobile number is also Aadhaar-linked for OTP-based verification.
6. Not an Income Tax Payer
If you or your family files income tax returns, you are not eligible. Annapurna Yojana is meant for economically weaker households.
7. Not a Government Employee
You are not eligible if you are a current or former employee of:
- Central or State Government
- Any public-sector undertaking (PSU)
- Panchayats, municipalities, or local bodies
- Statutory bodies or government-aided institutions
- Anyone receiving a regular government salary or pension
For Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries
✅ Good News: If you are an existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiary, you have been auto-migrated to Annapurna Yojana after government verification. On 3 June 2026, 28,25,769 women received the first ₹3,000 installment directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
How to confirm your auto-migration:
- Check your bank passbook / SMS / UPI app for ₹3,000 credit (look for description “Annapurna Yojana” or “WB DBT”)
- Visit socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login → enter your mobile number → complete captcha → click Search
- Call the helpline: 1800-345-5555
⚠️ Important: About 30 lakh names were flagged as ineligible or absentee electors during verification (Special Intensive Revision 2026) and removed from the migration list. If you were a Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiary but did NOT receive ₹3,000 on or after 3 June, you may have been removed during verification. In that case, apply fresh online or offline if you still meet the eligibility criteria.
For New Applicants – How to Apply
If you are not currently a Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiary, or you were removed during verification, you can apply afresh — both online and offline options are open. The 90-day enrollment window ends on 25 August 2026.
Method 1: Apply Online (Recommended)
- Visit the official portal: socialsecurity.wb.gov.in
- Click on “Access Citizen Portal” (Citizen / Family Login)
- Register with your mobile number and verify via OTP
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, Ration Card number, and family details
- The system will auto-fetch family details from the state database
- Enter your single-holder Aadhaar-linked bank account details and IFSC code
- Upload clear scans of your documents (JPG/PDF, under 1MB each)
- Review and submit. Save the Application Reference Number received via SMS
Method 2: Apply Offline
If you do not have internet access, you can submit the application at:
- Nearest BDO office (Block Development Office) for rural areas
- Nearest SDO office (Sub-Divisional Office)
- Nearest Municipality office for urban areas
- Government-organised special registration camps at panchayat / ward level
Download the form from our Form PDF Download page (English, Bengali, Hindi), fill in capital letters, attach self-attested photocopies of documents, and submit. Collect the acknowledgement receipt — you will receive a unique Application Reference Number via SMS.
Documents Required for Annapurna Yojana
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Mandatory — identity + DBT linking (must be linked to mobile + bank) |
| Voter ID Card | Proof of West Bengal residency |
| Ration Card (BPL / AAY / PHH) | Mandatory — family details + economic category (APL not eligible) |
| Bank Passbook (First Page) | Single-holder account, Aadhaar-linked, DBT-active |
| Caste Certificate | For SC/ST/OBC applicants (benefit amount remains uniform ₹3,000) |
| Swasthya Sathi Card | If available (may be transitioned to Ayushman Bharat going forward) |
| Passport-Size Photo | 2 recent colour photos (white background) |
| Active Mobile Number | For OTP verification and SMS updates (Aadhaar-linked) |
Tip: Keep both originals and self-attested photocopies organised in a folder. The form must be filled in English Capital Letters. Do not use whitener or overwrite — get a fresh form if you make a mistake.
Status Check & Payment Verification
Once you have applied (or if you are auto-migrated from Lakshmir Bhandar), you can check your Annapurna Yojana status through any of these methods:
Method 1: Official Portal Login
- Go to socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login
- Enter your registered mobile number
- Complete the captcha and click Search
- Current status will be displayed: Pending / Under Verification / Approved / Rejected
Method 2: Bank Account / SMS Check
The most reliable confirmation — check your bank passbook, mobile banking app, or UPI app for the ₹3,000 credit. The transaction will show “ANNAPURNA YOJANA” or “WB DBT” as the description. SMS notifications are also sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
Method 3: Helpline & PFMS Portal
Call the official helpline 1800-345-5555 with your Application Reference Number ready. Alternatively, track all DBT payments via the PFMS portal at pfms.nic.in using your bank account or Aadhaar number.
Annapurna Yojana vs Lakshmir Bhandar – Key Differences
Annapurna Yojana replaces the previous Lakshmir Bhandar Yojana (launched by former CM Mamata Banerjee in 2021). Here is a clear side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Lakshmir Bhandar (Old) | Annapurna Yojana (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | ₹1,500 (General) / ₹1,700 (SC/ST) | ₹3,000 (Uniform) |
| Annual Benefit | ₹18,000 – ₹20,400 | ₹36,000 |
| Caste Differentiation | Yes | No – Uniform for all |
| Launched By | TMC Government (Mamata Banerjee, 2021) | BJP Government (Suvendu Adhikari, 2026) |
| Eligibility Age | 25–60 years | 25–60 years |
| Income Tax Exclusion | Yes | Yes (officially confirmed) |
| Govt Employee Exclusion | Yes | Yes (officially confirmed) |
| Ration Card Requirement | Less strict | BPL / AAY / PHH only (APL excluded) |
| Payment Mode | DBT | DBT |
| First DBT Date | 2021 | 3 June 2026 (to 28,25,769 women) |
| Status | Replaced | Currently active |
| Bonus Benefits | None | Free bus travel for women on government buses |
The most important change is the doubling of monthly support — from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 for general women, and from ₹1,700 to ₹3,000 for SC/ST women. With ₹36,000 annual benefit, plus free government bus travel, the financial relief for an average eligible woman can exceed ₹40,000 per year.
Bonus: Free Bus Travel for Women
Along with Annapurna Yojana, the West Bengal government has activated free bus travel for all women on government buses, effective 1 June 2026. This applies to all state transport corporation buses across West Bengal.
- ✅ Free travel on all government buses (WBTC, NBSTC, SBSTC, CTC, etc.)
- ✅ Applies to all women of West Bengal
- ✅ No upper limit on trips per day
- ✅ Carry your Aadhaar/Voter ID for verification during travel
Important Warnings & Fraud Alert
With the scheme now live, fraudsters are aggressively targeting women. Stay alert:
- ❌ NO application fee. Annapurna Yojana is completely FREE. Anyone asking for ₹100, ₹500, or any amount is a fraud.
- ❌ Only apply at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in or your local BDO/SDO/Municipality office. Avoid any other website claiming “instant registration.”
- ❌ Do not share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone — even on phone calls claiming to be from “government office.”
- ❌ Beware of fake WhatsApp PDFs and YouTube videos circulating fraudulent registration links.
- ✅ Use only the official helpline: 1800-345-5555
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Annapurna Yojana 2026
Q: When did Annapurna Yojana officially start?
A: The scheme was officially launched on 1 June 2026, and the first DBT installment of ₹3,000 was credited to 28,25,769 women on 3 June 2026 when CM Suvendu Adhikari formally inaugurated it at Nabanna.
Q: What is the official Annapurna Yojana website?
A: The official portal is socialsecurity.wb.gov.in (Family Level Data Collection Portal). Managed by the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal.
Q: I already get Lakshmir Bhandar. Do I need to apply for Annapurna Yojana?
A: Most existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries have been auto-migrated. Check your bank account — if you received ₹3,000 on or after 3 June 2026, you are already enrolled. About 30 lakh names were removed during verification (deceased, shifted, absentee, or ineligible). If you did NOT receive payment, you should apply afresh.
Q: How much money will I get under Annapurna Yojana?
A: ₹3,000 per month, which is ₹36,000 per year. The amount is uniform — no difference between General and SC/ST women.
Q: What is the last date to apply for Annapurna Yojana?
A: 25 August 2026 is the last date for new applications. This is the end of the official 90-day enrollment window. Apply early to avoid last-minute portal congestion.
Q: Can I apply both online and offline?
A: Yes. Online via socialsecurity.wb.gov.in, or offline at your nearest BDO / SDO / Municipality office and government registration camps.
Q: I am 22 years old. Can I apply?
A: No. The official eligibility age is 25 to 60 years. You will need to wait until you turn 25.
Q: I have only an APL ration card. Am I eligible?
A: No. Only BPL, AAY, or PHH ration card holders are eligible. APL households and those without any ration card are not eligible.
Q: I am a government employee. Can I apply?
A: No. Current and former government employees (Central/State/PSU/panchayat/municipality/statutory bodies/govt-aided institutions) and pensioners are not eligible.
Q: I file income tax. Can I apply?
A: No. Income tax payers are not eligible for Annapurna Yojana.
Q: Can men apply for Annapurna Yojana?
A: No. The scheme is exclusively for women of West Bengal.
Q: I have a joint bank account. Will I get Annapurna Yojana?
A: No. The bank account must be solely in the woman’s name (single account), with Aadhaar linked and DBT-active. Joint accounts are not accepted.
Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A: Yes. Your Aadhaar must be linked to your bank account AND your mobile number for OTP verification and DBT credit.
Q: How do I check my application status?
A: Visit socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login → enter your registered mobile number → complete captcha → click Search. Or check your bank account directly for ₹3,000 credit.
Q: What is the helpline number?
A: 1800-345-5555 — the official toll-free helpline for Annapurna Yojana application and status queries.
Q: Is the application fee really free?
A: Yes, applying for Annapurna Yojana is 100% FREE. Do not pay any agent or middleman. Anyone asking for money is committing fraud.
Q: I live outside West Bengal. Can I apply?
A: No. You must be a current permanent resident of West Bengal. Voter ID and Ration Card must show West Bengal address.
Q: Is free bus travel really active now?
A: Yes. Free bus travel for women on all government buses has been active since 1 June 2026. Carry Aadhaar/Voter ID for verification.
Conclusion
Finally, the details of Annapurna Yojana 2026 are out! You will get ₹3,000 per month from the government credited to your bank account. From today onwards, 28.25 lakh women in the state of West Bengal will begin receiving their first cash transfer directly into their bank accounts from 3 June 2026. Except for free bus travel, this is the best scheme that has ever been initiated by the government to help the needy women of West Bengal. All the recipients of the scheme which is referred to as Lakshmire Bhandar Scheme will automatically be moved to Annapurna Bhandar Scheme; check the same in your bank account. Apart from this, you can even apply for Annapurna Scheme 2026 online from the socialsecurity.wb.gov.in till 25 August 2026.
Do not forget to stay connected with us daily so that you always get the latest information about payments, any news published on the website, verification update, and much more. Please remember to visit our site, Annanpurabhandar.org.in, on a regular basis and set it as your homepage. Beware of fraudulent sites and unregistered agents who take money for filling your Annapurna Yojana 2026 registration form. It is absolutely free of charge to fill the registration form. You can always call us at any time on our helpline number 1800-345-5555.
Important Note: All the information given on our site about Annapurna Yojana 2026 such as official circular No (2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 dated 19 May 2026), ₹3,000 monthly benefit, last date to apply 25 August 2026, official website (socialsecurity.wb.gov.in), etc. is taken from government sources only. Our website (Annanpurabhandar.org.in) has nothing to do with any government agencies or political parties of West Bengal.