Annapurna Yojana 2026 - West Bengal Women Get ₹3,000 Per Month, First Transfer from June 4

West Bengal's newly formed BJP government has officially notified the Annapurna Yojana (also called Annapurna Bhandar Scheme) on May 19, 2026, and the scheme will go live from June 1, 2026. Eligible women will get ₹3,000 per month directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through DBT. The state government has now confirmed that the first installment was credited from June 4, 2026, when over 28.25 lakh women started getting the money directly in their bank accounts after a massive verification drive across all districts.

This scheme is a major upgrade over the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, which used to give ₹1,500 per month to general category women and ₹1,700 to SC/ST women. With Annapurna Yojana, every eligible woman gets the same ₹3,000 per month, no category-wise differences at all. Along with the money, the state government has also announced free travel for women on all state-run buses from June 1, 2026.

Annapurna Yojana 1st Installment Date - June 4, 2026

Here is the news every woman in West Bengal was waiting for. CM Suvendu Adhikari has confirmed that the first installment of ₹3,000 under Annapurna Yojana started hitting bank accounts from June 4, 2026, with over 28.25 lakh women receiving the money on the first day. The scheme officially launched on June 1, and the actual money transfer through DBT began on June 4. The amount lands straight in the beneficiary's own Aadhaar-linked bank account, with no need to visit any office or stand in a queue.

There was some worry among women about the long 12-page application form, with critics saying it could leave out genuine beneficiaries because of all the documents asked for. Replying to this, Suvendu Adhikari has made it clear that government staff will personally help women fill the form, so nobody who is eligible gets left behind. He also said strong checks have been put in place to stop ineligible people from grabbing the benefit, and a few men who were wrongly taking the money have already been arrested. To get the first installment, just make sure your name is in the verified list and your bank account is properly linked with Aadhaar.

Annapurna Yojana West Bengal 2026 - Full Details

Annapurna Yojana (অন্নপূর্ণা ভান্ডার) was one of the biggest promises in BJP's election manifesto "Bhoroshar Shopoth" (Oath of Trust) ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections. BJP won 207 of 293 assembly seats, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule. On May 19, 2026, the West Bengal government officially notified the scheme through Notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 issued by the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, replacing the existing Lakshmir Bhandar programme. The scheme was earlier widely discussed under the working name "Annapurna Bhandar Scheme" or "Annapurna Bhandar Prakalpo", but the officially notified name is Annapurna Yojana. It is also referred to as the Matri Shakti Bharosa Card Scheme in some government communications.

The objective is simple - give women from low and middle-income families a steady monthly amount so they can handle daily household expenses like groceries, healthcare, children's education, and utility bills without depending on others. The money goes directly into the woman's own Aadhaar-linked bank account, giving her full financial control.

Verification Drive Before June 1 Launch

To make sure only genuine beneficiaries receive the money, the state government has launched a large-scale verification and database-cleansing exercise across all districts. District administrations were asked to finish this verification by May 25, 2026 - well before the scheme goes live. Progress is being tracked at the top level, with district-wise reports being sent to the Chief Secretary every evening.

All existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be automatically moved to Annapurna Yojana, but with one important condition - names of dead, shifted, duplicate, or absent electors found during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR-2026) and voter slip distribution drives will be removed from the list first. Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) are doing door-to-door verification in coordination with gram panchayat officials, gram rojgar sahayaks, and nirman sahayaks to complete this exercise quickly. Ineligible names identified during this process are being marked for deletion on the Annapurna Yojana portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in, and proposals for deletion are being submitted daily to the sanctioning authority.

There is an important protection clause in the official notification: women who have filed appeals before the SIR Tribunal or submitted applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act can continue receiving their monthly financial support until their applications are finally disposed of. So if your name was deleted and you have a pending appeal or CAA application, you will not be cut off from benefits immediately.

The government is also making sure that Aadhaar-linked bank account details of all beneficiaries are updated on the portal before the transfer begins. The earlier Lakshmir Bhandar portal has been updated and renamed as the Annapurna Yojana portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in for this purpose. The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme application form PDF for new applicants is available from 27 May 2026 itself on this portal.

Key Benefits of Annapurna Yojana

Here is what women in West Bengal can look forward to under this scheme. These are the major benefits being offered right now:

• ₹3,000 per month via DBT: The monthly amount will be transferred directly into the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account - no queues, no ration shop visits, no middlemen involved.
• Equal benefit for all categories: Unlike the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme where SC/ST women got slightly more, every eligible woman under Annapurna Yojana gets the same ₹3,000 - removing a long-standing disparity between categories.
• Free bus travel: All eligible women will get free travel on state-run government buses starting June 1, 2026.
• Statewide coverage: The scheme applies across all 23 districts of West Bengal - whether you live in a village in Murshidabad or a municipality in Kolkata, the benefit and eligibility are the same.

Scheme Highlights

Eligibility Criteria

The West Bengal government has officially notified the eligibility conditions for Annapurna Yojana through the May 19 notification. These are the confirmed rules that will apply when you apply for the scheme:

• Permanent resident of West Bengal: The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal. Women from other states are not eligible for this scheme.
• Age between 25 and 60 years: Women aged 25 to 60 years are eligible to apply for the monthly benefit.
• Not a permanent government employee: Women who are permanent government employees receiving a salary or pension are not eligible for this scheme.
• Not an income tax payer: Women who pay income tax are not eligible for Annapurna Yojana benefits.
• Aadhaar-linked bank account: Since the benefit is transferred via DBT, an active bank account in the woman's own name and linked to Aadhaar is required.
• Name not deleted in SIR voter roll revision: Women whose names were deleted from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR-2026), and whose appeal for restoration of voting rights was rejected, are not eligible. The government has clarified that deletion from the voter list does not mean loss of citizenship, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling, but only women whose restoration appeals are pending or accepted can still be considered.
• Children must be immunised: A woman whose children have not been vaccinated under the government immunisation programme is not eligible. The new application form asks for the children's vaccination records, and missing government-mandated immunisation makes the mother ineligible.
• Children not in unrecognised madrassas: If a woman's children attend unaided, unrecognised madrassas, she will not be eligible for the scheme. The form requires school details with explicit mention of government-recognised institutions.

For existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries, the good news is that you will be automatically moved to Annapurna Yojana, but the government is now reassessing eligibility for all applicants through a fresh round of verification. Beneficiaries are being asked to fill out a new 11-page application form that includes detailed questions about their children's vaccination status and school details. Names found to be dead, shifted, absent, or duplicate during the SIR-2026 voter roll revision are removed first. Women whose names were deleted in SIR but who have pending SIR Tribunal appeals, or who have applied for or secured citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (including Hindu refugees from Bangladesh), can continue getting the benefit until their case is finally decided.

Annapurna Yojana Application Form PDF Download

The West Bengal government has released the official Annapurna Yojana Family Level Data Collection Form PDF in three languages. You can download and print the form directly from the official Social Security portal:

• English: Annapurna Yojana Family Level Data Collection Form - English
• Bangla (বাংলা): Annapurna Yojana Family Level Data Collection Form - Bangla
• Hindi (हिंदी): Annapurna Yojana Family Level Data Collection Form - Hindi

Print the form on A4 paper, fill all details carefully in block letters, and submit it at the nearest government centre along with self-attested copies of your documents. Although the form runs into 12 pages and asks for plenty of details, government staff have been told to help women fill it, so do not get worried by its length. Always use the direct links from socialsecurity.wb.gov.in and avoid downloading from any unofficial website. For the complete step-by-step guide on filling the form, check the dedicated Annapurna Bhandar Scheme application form PDF guide.

How to Apply for Annapurna Yojana Online

The online application portal is live at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in from 27 May 2026. Fresh applications will be reviewed by the DM concerned (for district residents) or the KMC Commissioner (for Kolkata residents):

STEP 1 - Go to socialsecurity.wb.gov.in and look for the "Apply for Annapurna Yojana" or "Annapurna Bhandar Application Form" option on the homepage or in the women welfare section of the site.

STEP 2 - Enter your active mobile number and complete OTP verification to securely log in to the application portal.

STEP 3 - Provide your Ration Card number to auto-fetch your registered family details from the government database. Then enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for identity authentication.

STEP 4 - Carefully fill in all personal and family details exactly as they appear in your official documents. Any mismatch between your application and Aadhaar records could lead to rejection.

STEP 5 - Submit your Aadhaar-linked bank account number and IFSC code so the ₹3,000 monthly amount can be directly credited to your account via DBT. Upload all required documents in the format and file size prescribed on the portal.

STEP 6 - Cross-check every detail carefully before clicking submit. After submitting, save the acknowledgement reference number shown on screen - this will help you track your application status later on the same portal.

How to Apply Offline

For women who find it difficult to apply online, download the Annapurna Yojana application form PDF from the links above in your preferred language, print it, fill it by hand, and submit it at the nearest office. The sanctioning authority will be the DM for district applicants and the KMC Commissioner for those in Kolkata:

STEP 1 - Download the Annapurna Yojana Family Level Data Collection Form PDF in English, Bangla, or Hindi from socialsecurity.wb.gov.in using the direct links given above. Print it clearly on A4 paper. You can also go to your nearest Duare Sarkar camp, BDO office, SDO office, or Municipality office to collect a physical copy.

STEP 2 - Fill in all details in block letters so they clearly match your Aadhaar records without any errors. The form collects family-level data, so keep details of all family members handy.

STEP 3 - Attach self-attested copies of all required documents along with the completed application form. Hand over the full set at the designated submission counter of the office.

STEP 4 - Collect the acknowledgement slip from the official after submitting your form. Keep this slip safely as it will help you track your application status once the scheme goes live.

Annapurna Yojana vs Lakshmir Bhandar - What Changed?

Many women are asking exactly how Annapurna Yojana is different from the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme. Here is a clear comparison so you can see the full picture:

Other Schemes Announced Along with Annapurna Yojana

At the same first cabinet meeting, the West Bengal BJP government also announced several other welfare measures that had been kept out of the state for years. Check out the full list of new schemes coming to West Bengal after the BJP win - including central schemes that will now be available to residents for the first time.

Some of the major central schemes now being rolled out in West Bengal include Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for health insurance, PM Vishwakarma for artisans and craftspeople, PM Fasal Bima Yojana for farmers' crop insurance, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 for subsidised cooking gas connections.

FAQ's

When is the Annapurna Yojana 1st installment date?

The first installment of ₹3,000 under Annapurna Yojana started getting credited from June 4, 2026, when over 28.25 lakh women received the money. The scheme officially launched on June 1, 2026, but the actual DBT money transfer to beneficiaries' bank accounts began on June 4, 2026.

When will Annapurna Yojana start?

The scheme officially starts from June 1, 2026. The West Bengal government notified the scheme on May 19, 2026 through Notification No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026, and the application form PDF for new applicants has been available on socialsecurity.wb.gov.in from 27 May 2026.

Who can apply for Annapurna Yojana?

Women aged between 25 and 60 years who are permanent residents of West Bengal, are not permanent government employees receiving a salary or pension, and do not pay income tax are eligible. An Aadhaar-linked bank account is also required for DBT transfer. Under the latest verification rules, women whose names were deleted during SIR-2026 with rejected restoration appeals, or whose children are unvaccinated or attend unaided unrecognised madrassas, are not eligible.

How much money will women get under this scheme?

Eligible women will get ₹3,000 per month directly in their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer. This is the same amount for all - no difference between general, SC, or ST category women.

Will Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?

No, existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be automatically migrated to Annapurna Yojana. However, names found to be dead, shifted, duplicate, or absent during the SIR-2026 voter roll exercise will be removed before migration. No fresh application is needed if your name remains in the verified database.

Is the 12-page application form a problem for genuine applicants?

The form does run into about 12 pages and asks for several documents, which raised worries that some genuine women might be left out. CM Suvendu Adhikari has assured that government staff will personally help women fill the form, so eligible applicants do not need to worry about its length.

What happens if my name was deleted but I have a pending SIR Tribunal appeal?

As per the official notification, women who have filed appeals before the SIR Tribunal or submitted applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will continue receiving the monthly benefit until their appeal or application is finally decided. You will not be cut off immediately just because your name was removed during the verification drive.

Can I lose the benefit if my child is unvaccinated or goes to a madrassa?

Yes. Under the latest verification rules, a woman becomes ineligible if her children have not been immunised under the government vaccination programme, or if they attend unaided, unrecognised madrassas. The new application form asks for the children's vaccination records and school details, with an explicit mention of government-recognised institutions. Women and Child Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul said immunisation status is being checked to confirm whether a beneficiary follows the government's advice on vaccination.

What is the official website to apply for Annapurna Yojana?

The official portal is socialsecurity.wb.gov.in. This is the West Bengal government's Social Security portal where women can apply online, download the application form PDF in English, Bangla, or Hindi, and track their application status. Avoid all private or unofficial websites claiming to offer registration.

Will Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme be stopped?

Lakshmir Bhandar is officially being replaced by Annapurna Yojana as per the May 19 government notification. All valid existing beneficiaries will be moved to the new scheme automatically from June 1, 2026.

Can women from other states apply for this scheme?

No. Annapurna Yojana is only for permanent residents of West Bengal. Women residing in other states are not eligible for this scheme at all.

What is the verification drive happening before June 1?

The state government launched a door-to-door verification exercise through Booth-Level Officers and gram panchayat officials to clean up the beneficiary database before launch. Ineligible names (dead, absent, shifted, or duplicate electors) are being removed and marked for deletion on the Annapurna Yojana portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in. Aadhaar-linked bank details are also being updated. The exercise had to be completed by May 25, 2026.