Annapurna Yojana — ₹3,000 a month for eligible women
A clear, independent guide to West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana: who qualifies, what documents you need, and how the application actually works — explained in plain language.
What is the Annapurna Yojana?
The Annapurna Yojana (also called Annapurna Bhandar Prakalpa) is a West Bengal state welfare scheme that replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar programme for most beneficiaries. It was confirmed at the new state cabinet’s first meeting on 11 May 2026 and formalised through official notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026, dated 19 May 2026. It takes effect from 1 June 2026.
| Scheme name | Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar Prakalpo) |
|---|---|
| State | West Bengal |
| Monthly benefit | ₹3,000 per eligible woman |
| Age group | 25–60 years |
| Replaces | Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme (existing beneficiaries are reviewed for automatic migration) |
| Effective from | 1 June 2026 |
| Application window opened | 27 May 2026 |
| Implementing department | Dept. of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal |
| Official portal | socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
Three Things to Know Before You Apply
Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries
Most current beneficiaries are reviewed and migrated automatically. Names flagged as deceased, relocated, or removed during the state’s voter-roll revision are excluded and must reapply.
First-time applicants
Women who were not part of Lakshmir Bhandar can apply fresh through the official portal or at local camps and BDO offices once the window opens.
DBT-ready bank account is mandatory
Your bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded for Direct Benefit Transfer. Without this, the monthly amount cannot be credited — check this first.
📄 Annapurna Bhandar Form PDF Download
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English Form
Download the official Annapurna Bhandar Application Form in English PDF format.
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⬇ हिंदी PDF DownloadWhy Some Women Receive Rs 1,500 Instead of Rs 3,000
Several local reports indicate that the higher Rs 3,000 payout is tied to submitting a fresh confirmation form at the BDO office or through your local Booth Level Officer (BLO). Consequently, beneficiaries who have not yet submitted this form reportedly continue receiving the earlier Rs 1,500 monthly rate until they do so.
Annapurna Yojana vs Lakshmir Bhandar: What Changed
Many women in West Bengal are wondering what exactly has changed between the two schemes. Therefore, here is a clear and honest side-by-side comparison so you can understand the differences at a glance.
| Feature | Lakshmir Bhandar | Annapurna Bhandar |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly amount | ₹500 – ₹1,700 (category-based) | ₹3,000 (reported ₹1,500 if confirmation form is pending) |
| New application needed? | Not applicable | No for most verified existing beneficiaries; a confirmation form via BDO/BLO is reportedly needed for the full amount |
| Payment method | Bank / Cash | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) only |
| Effective from | 2021 | 1 June 2026 |
| Status tracking | Limited | Available on the official portal |
Make sure DBT is active on your bank account
The ₹3,000 (or ₹1,500) is paid only through Direct Benefit Transfer — your bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded for money to be credited. Here’s the quick version; see our full application guide for details.
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Visit your bank branch with your Aadhaar card and passbook.
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Submit an Aadhaar-seeding / DBT-linking form at the counter, or do it through net banking / your bank’s mobile app.
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Verify the link afterwards through the UIDAI website or by dialling *99# on your phone.
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Without this, the monthly amount — whether ₹1,500 or ₹3,000 — will not be credited to your account.
Submitting the confirmation form
Based on current local reporting, the confirmation form is being collected in two ways. Moreover, both options are equally valid, so you can choose whichever is more convenient for you.:
📍 At the BDO office
Visit your local Block Development Office, collect the physical form, fill it in carefully, and submit it along with your documents in person. Staff at the BDO office will guide you through the process.
🪪 Through your BLO
Your area’s Booth Level Officer can also collect the filled form directly from you. This option is especially useful if visiting the BDO office is difficult or far from your location.
Important Dates to Remember for Annapurna Yojana
Annapurna Yojana confirmed at the new cabinet’s very first meeting under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The old Lakshmir Bhandar portal was officially renamed to the Annapurna Bhandar portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.
Government notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 was formally published, making the scheme legally effective.
New applicants who were not part of Lakshmir Bhandar could start registering through the official portal.
Annapurna Yojana went live. Free bus travel for women in state-run buses also began from this date.
Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are being reviewed and migrated to Annapurna Yojana in phases.
Annapurna Bhandar Official Portals & Others
Always verify information from official sources
Annapurna Bhandar Portal
socialsecurity.wb.gov.inOfficial state security portal to submit online applications, update bank details and track registration status.
Visit Site ↗WB Food Department
wbfood.gov.inOfficial notifications and policies from Food & Supplies Department.
Visit Site ↗Frequently Asked Questions about Annapurna Yojana
Do existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?
Most beneficiaries are migrated automatically after verification. However, local reports suggest a confirmation form through BDO or BLO may be needed to unlock the full Rs 3,000 amount. It is best to confirm your own case directly with your Booth Level Officer.
What is DBT and why is it required for this scheme?
Direct Benefit Transfer sends welfare money straight to your bank account without any middlemen involved. For this scheme, payment is made only through DBT. Therefore, without Aadhaar-bank linking, no amount will be credited to your account, even if your application is approved.
How can I track my Annapurna Yojana application status?
Status tracking is available on the official portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in. You can check your application using your application number or your registered mobile number.
What is the age limit for Annapurna Yojana in West Bengal?
Women between 25 and 60 years of age who are permanent residents of West Bengal are eligible to apply. Additionally, they must belong to a family that does not include any income taxpayer or government employee.
Is the Annapurna Yojana portal the same as the old Lakshmir Bhandar portal?
Yes. The old Lakshmir Bhandar portal was officially renamed to the Annapurna Bhandar portal on 18 May 2026. The website address remains socialsecurity.wb.gov.in, and the login process works exactly the same way as before.
Annapurna Yojana Latest News
Latest updates, notifications, and news related to West Bengal’s Annapurna Yojana scheme
Ready to check your eligibility?
Walk through the eligibility checklist, gather your documents, and follow our step-by-step application guide.