West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana: Monthly Stipend for Women Amid Controversial Exclusions
West Bengal to roll out Rs 3,000 monthly `Annapurna Yojana` for eligible women from June 1; Around 30 lakhs ‘beneficiaries’ excluded
&w=1200&q=75)
Image: Zee News
The West Bengal government will implement the Annapurna Yojana on June 1, 2026, providing eligible women with a monthly stipend of ₹3,000. However, around 30 lakh former beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will be excluded due to eligibility criteria and a recent auditing process.
- 01The Annapurna Yojana will provide a monthly stipend of ₹3,000 to women aged 25-60 who are not income tax payers.
- 02Approximately 30 lakh former beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme have been excluded from the new program.
- 03Eligibility exclusions include women with permanent government jobs or those receiving regular pensions.
- 04A digital portal for new registrations will be launched on June 1, 2026, with strict verification processes.
- 05District Magistrates and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials will oversee the approval of new applicants.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Government of West Bengal has announced the Annapurna Yojana, set to begin on June 1, 2026, which aims to improve the socio-economic status of women by providing a monthly stipend of ₹3,000. This initiative, led by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, has specific eligibility criteria: women aged 25 to 60 who are not income tax payers can apply. However, a recent audit has resulted in approximately 30 lakh former beneficiaries of the previous Lakshmir Bhandar program being excluded due to various ineligibilities, including non-citizenship and deceased status. The new program will transition current Lakshmir Bhandar recipients automatically, but strict verification will be enforced through a digital portal that will also accept new applications. Local authorities will manage the vetting process, with final approvals resting with District Magistrates and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Annapurna Yojana aims to support women's financial independence in West Bengal, but the exclusion of many former beneficiaries raises concerns about the program's accessibility.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the Annapurna Yojana's eligibility criteria?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.