West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana with Rs 3,000 Monthly Aid for Women
Bengal's Annapurna Yojana launches with Rs 3,000 aid: Eligibility explained
Business Standard
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West Bengal has introduced the Annapurna Yojana, effective June 1, 2026, replacing the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. This new program offers eligible women a monthly aid of Rs 3,000, with stricter eligibility criteria aimed at supporting those outside formal income systems. A 90-day enrolment drive will facilitate the transition.
- 01Annapurna Yojana replaces the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, offering a higher monthly payout of Rs 3,000.
- 02Eligibility is limited to women aged 25-60 who are not income taxpayers or government employees.
- 03Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar will not automatically transition to the new scheme and must verify their eligibility.
- 04The application process includes both online and offline options, with forms available in English, Bengali, and Hindi.
- 05The scheme includes a multi-layer verification process to ensure benefits reach eligible households.
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West Bengal has launched the Annapurna Yojana, effective June 1, 2026, providing eligible women with Rs 3,000 monthly aid, significantly higher than the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. This new direct benefit transfer (DBT) program aims to enhance financial support for women, particularly those outside formal employment. The government has set stricter eligibility criteria, excluding income taxpayers and government employees, thereby focusing resources on women who truly need assistance. A 90-day enrolment drive will facilitate the inclusion of beneficiaries, with applications available in multiple languages. Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmir Bhandar will continue to receive support during the transition but must undergo verification to qualify under the new scheme. The application process requires various personal and financial details, and a rigorous verification system is in place to minimize errors. This initiative is expected to strengthen household finances for eligible women, providing a reliable income stream while ensuring that assistance is targeted effectively.
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The Annapurna Yojana is expected to provide substantial financial support to low-income households, enhancing their ability to cover daily expenses and education costs.
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