West Bengal Government Resumes Annapurna Yojana
The West Bengal government has announced the resumption of the Annapurna Yojana, a scheme that provides financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women. The payments will begin from June 1, 2026, benefiting lakhs of women across the state. This move is part of the state's efforts to support women's empowerment and financial independence.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of the Annapurna Yojana, women must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Age should be between 25 and 60 years.
- Family annual income should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh.
- Should not be a beneficiary of any other similar state or central government scheme.
- Must have a valid Aadhaar card and bank account linked to it.
How to Apply
Eligible women can apply through the official portal of the West Bengal government or visit their nearest block development office. The application process requires submission of identity proof, residence certificate, income certificate, and bank account details.
Key Benefits
The scheme aims to provide direct cash transfer to women, enabling them to meet their daily expenses and improve their standard of living. The monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 will be credited directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
This initiative is expected to cover over 1 crore women in the state, making it one of the largest direct benefit transfer programs for women in India. The state government has allocated a substantial budget for the scheme to ensure smooth implementation.
Important Dates
Applications are being accepted from May 1, 2026. The first installment of Rs 3,000 will be credited on June 1, 2026. Subsequent payments will be made on the first day of every month.
Beneficiaries are advised to keep their bank accounts active and Aadhaar linked to avoid any delays in payment. For any queries, women can contact the helpline number provided on the official website.
