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In its second cabinet meeting, the new BJP government in West Bengal announced a major boon for women: starting June 1, 2026, eligible women will receive monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000. The Bengal Cabinet approved the 'Annapurna' scheme, which provides a monthly aid of ₹3,000 to women, effective from June 1. Following the cabinet meeting, Agnimitra Paul, the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, confirmed that the government has officially approved the Annapurna scheme. Additionally, a decision was taken to provide free bus travel facilities for women across the state, also effective from June 1. The government states that this scheme will bring relief to a large number of women.

**What is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?**
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme was a major promise made in West Bengal during the 2026 Assembly elections. It is a new upcoming scheme for women that will replace the existing 'Lakshmi Bhandar' scheme. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to women from low- and middle-income families and to empower them to become self-reliant. Under this scheme, women will receive a fixed monthly sum, enabling them to easily manage household expenses, address health-related needs, and reduce the financial burden on their families.

**Which Women Are Eligible for the Annapurna Scheme?**
*   Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
*   The family must belong to a low-income group or the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
*   The annual family income must fall within the prescribed limit.
*   Must be over 25 years of age.
*   Possession of a Ration Card (BPL/AAY/PHH) is mandatory.

**Who Cannot Apply?**
*   Government employees or retired government employees.
*   Individuals whose income exceeds the prescribed limit.
*   Residents living outside West Bengal.

**Benefits of the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme**
Under this scheme, beneficiary women will receive financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month. This amount will be transferred directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). Required Documents
Aadhaar Card
Voter ID Card
Proof of Residence
BPL / AAY / PHH Ration Card
Bank Account Passbook or Statement
Income Certificate from a Local Authority
Passport-sized Photograph

How to Apply?

Applications for this scheme—whether online or offline—have not yet commenced. Furthermore, no website or portal has been launched by the government for this purpose.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.