The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal from 1st June 2026 to provide financial assistance to eligible women across the state. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹3,000 per month directly in their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The scheme basically aims to strengthen the financial independence of women and support economically weaker households. Here, get the details of the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Eligibility, Benefits, Apply Online, Documents Required to apply in the following sections. Hence, scroll down for the details
What is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
Annapurna Bhandar or Annapurna Yojana is a women-centric financial assistance scheme introduced in West Bengal. The scheme provides monthly monetary support of ₹3,000 per month to eligible women so they can meet household expenses, children’s education costs, healthcare needs, and other essential requirements. The financial assistance is credited directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts to ensure transparency and timely payments.
To qualify for the scheme, women must be aged between 25 and 60 years, should not be income tax payers, and must not hold permanent government employment or receive a regular salary or pension from the state or central government, statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities, local bodies, or government-aided educational institutions.
socialsecurity.wb.gov.in Annapurna Bhandar 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Bhandar Scheme |
| State | West Bengal |
| Launch Date | 1st June 2026 |
| Benefit Amount | ₹3,000 per month |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible women residents of West Bengal |
| Transfer Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Nodal Department | Women and Child Development & Social Welfare Department |
| Category | Govt Yojana |
| Website | socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
Benefits of Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
The newly formed West Bengal Government has notified the ‘Annapurna Yojana’ to provide assured monthly financial assistance of three thousand rupees to women for their socio-economic upliftment. The scheme, introduced by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, will come into effect from 1st June 2026. Under the scheme, financial assistance will be transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Thus, the eligible beneficiaries can avail the following benefits:
- Monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000.
- Direct transfer of funds into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
- Enhanced financial security for women.
- Support for household expenses and daily necessities.
- Assistance for healthcare and educational expenses.
- Improved economic independence and social empowerment.
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026: Eligibility Criteria
The applicants must satisfy the following conditions in order to apply for the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme:
- Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Must be a woman.
- Generally, applicants should be between 25 and 60 years of age.
- Must possess an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Should not be a regular government employee.
- Should not be receiving a government salary or pension from state or central government institutions.
- Income-tax payers are generally not eligible under the scheme.
Documents Required to Apply
The Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Govt of West Bengal shall accept the application both through online mode. In both cases, the applicants shall need the following documents while applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Ration Card
- Bank Passbook
- Mobile Number
- Residence Proof
- Land Records
- Swasthya Sathi Card (if available)
How to Apply for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Online?
As discussed above, the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026 Application Form can be filled both online and offline. So, here we are discussing the online application method which the aspirants shall find helpful. During the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Online Application, the applicants can follow these steps:
- At first, visit the official Annapurna Bhandar portal @ socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.
- Complete the registration process using your mobile number.
- Fill in personal and family details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Verify the entered information.
- Submit the application form.
- Save the acknowledgement or reference number for future use.
Direct Link to Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Online Application
How to Apply for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Offline?
Applicants can also apply through designated government camps and local offices through offline mode of application. For this, the applicants can follow the steps shared here.
- At first download the Annapurna Bhandar Application Form PDF.
- Take a hard copy of the same.
- Fill up the 11/13 page form correctly.
- Attach the ID proof, address proof, bank account proof etc.
- Submit the application form to the GP/Municipality or Government Camps.
| Annapurna Yojana Form (Bengali) | Click Here |
| Annapurna Yojana Form (English) | Click Here |
| Annapurna Yojana Form (Hindi) | Click Here |
How to Check Annapurna Yojana Application Status?
After submission of application both online or offline, the applicants can check the status of the application. This can be completed at the official website through the following steps –
- Visit the official portal.
- Click on the “Application Status” option.
- Enter the registration number or Aadhaar details.
- Submit the information.
- View the current status of your application and payment.
What About Existing Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries?
According to government announcements, existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme will be migrated to the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme. However, eligible beneficiaries shall have to submit fresh applications, and post verification of records, the existing beneficiaries will be migrated to Annapurna Bhandar Scheme.
Important Points
Finally, here are the important points that the applicants must know while application and also after the application for Annapurna Yojana 2026.
- Benefits are transferred through the DBT system.
- Applicants should ensure that their Aadhaar is linked to their bank account.
- Applicants should only trust the information available on official government portals.
- Beneficiaries should avoid sharing OTPs, bank details, or personal information on unofficial websites.
That;’ all here. Stay tuned to rrbapply.com for more such updates on this topics.
FAQs
Women who are permanent residents of West Bengal and satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions can apply.
Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹3,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Yes, beneficiaries generally need an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive DBT payments.
Government has mandated that Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries have to apply afresh for migrating to the new scheme.
Yes, the government has introduced online registration facilities through the official portal.
The assistance amount is credited directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.
Disclaimer: Government of West Bengal may update the eligibility conditions, application procedures, and implementation guidelines from time to time. Applicants should verify the latest information through official government sources before applying.
