Women & Child · West BengalLaunching June 1, 2026New
অন্নপূর্ণা ভান্ডার প্রকল্প 2026
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme – ₹3,000/month for West Bengal Women
Updated May 13, 2026·Source: WB Government announcement, official portals
🏛️ What is Annapurna Bhandar?
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme (also called Matri Shakti Bharosa Card Scheme) is West Bengal's new flagship women's welfare program. Eligible women will receive ₹3,000 per month directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It replaces and doubles the benefits of the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, with payments starting June 1, 2026.
Scheme Features
Why women are applying
₹
₹3000 Monthly
Direct transfer every month
📱
Easy Apply
2 minute online process
👩
Women Scheme
Only for women beneficiaries
💰 Key Benefits
₹3,000
Monthly cash assistance
DBT
Direct bank transfer, no middlemen
Uniform
Same amount for all categories
✓₹3,000/month directly to Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT
✓Uniform benefit — no difference between General, SC, ST, OBC categories
✓Also links beneficiaries to Ayushman Bharat (₹5 lakh health cover)
✓Links to PM Ujjwala 3.0 for LPG gas subsidies
✓Replaces Lakshmir Bhandar — existing beneficiaries may auto-transfer
✅ Who is Eligible?
✓Must be a woman (only women are eligible)
✓Permanent resident of West Bengal
✓Age between 25 and 60 years
✓Must have an active bank account in own name
✓Bank account must be Aadhaar-linked for DBT
✓Belongs to a low or middle-income family
✓Name listed in West Bengal voter list
✓Ration card holder (BPL / AAY / PHH preferred)
✗ Who is NOT eligible
✗Government employees (central or state)
✗Income taxpayers
✗Non-residents of West Bengal
✗Women above 60 years of age
✗Families with annual income above threshold limit
📄 Documents Required
Aadhaar Card
Must be linked to current mobile number for OTP
Voter ID Card
Primary proof of West Bengal residency
Bank Passbook
Single-holder account; Aadhaar-linked
Ration Card
To verify family and economic status
Passport-size Photograph
Recent, clear photo
Income Certificate
From local authority or BDO
Caste Certificate
If applicable (SC/ST/OBC)
Mobile Number
Active number linked to Aadhaar
🖊️ How to Apply
⚠️ As of May 2026, the official application portal has not yet been launched. Applications are expected to open from June 1, 2026 onwards. Do NOT pay any agent or use unofficial websites.
01
Visit official portal
Once launched, go to the official Annapurna Bhandar portal or your nearest Duare Sarkar camp / BDO / SDO / Municipality office.
02
Click registration link
Find the Annapurna Bhandar registration link on the portal homepage. Do not use unofficial links.
03
Enter Aadhaar & personal details
Fill in your Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, address, and family details as per official documents.
04
Upload required documents
Upload scanned copies of Voter ID, Ration Card, bank passbook, and photograph.
05
Link bank account
Enter your bank account number and IFSC code. Ensure the account is Aadhaar-linked for DBT payment.
06
Submit & download receipt
Submit the form and download the acknowledgement receipt. Keep it safe for tracking your application status.
Offline option: Once launched, you can also apply in person at your nearest Duare Sarkar camp, BDO office, SDO office, or Municipality office with original documents.
⚖️ Lakshmir Bhandar vs Annapurna Bhandar
| Feature | Lakshmir Bhandar | Annapurna Bhandar |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly amount (General) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Monthly amount (SC/ST) | ₹1,700 | ₹3,000 |
| Uniformity | Different by category | Same for all |
| Linked schemes | Standalone | Ayushman + Ujjwala |
| Government | TMC | BJP (2026) |
| Launch | 2021 | June 1, 2026 |
Required Documents
🪪
Aadhaar Card
আধার কার্ড
🏦
Bank Passbook
ব্যাঙ্ক পাসবুক
📷
Passport Photo
পাসপোর্ট ছবি
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When will Annapurna Bhandar launch officially?
The West Bengal government confirmed the first instalment of ₹3,000 will be disbursed starting June 1, 2026. The decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting of the newly elected WB government on 11 May 2026.
Do Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?
According to government statements, women already receiving Lakshmir Bhandar benefits may automatically receive Annapurna Bhandar payments without a fresh application. However, wait for the official notification.
What is the difference between Lakshmir Bhandar and Annapurna Bhandar?
Under Lakshmir Bhandar, General category women received ₹1,500/month and SC/ST received ₹1,700/month. Annapurna Bhandar provides a uniform ₹3,000/month to all eligible women regardless of category.
Is this payment taxable income?
No. Annapurna Bhandar payments are welfare benefits, not income. They do not count toward taxable income and need not be reported in income tax returns.
Can private sector employees apply?
Yes. Private sector employment does not disqualify you. However, if your annual income exceeds the scheme threshold (approximately ₹2–3 lakh annually), you may face rejection during income verification.
What happens after I turn 60?
Benefits cease when you cross 60 years of age. You may then qualify for old-age pension schemes. Contact your local panchayat or BDO office for guidance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Yubosakti is an independent informational website, not affiliated with any government body. The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme has not yet been officially launched as of May 2026. All details are based on government announcements, press conferences, and credible news sources. Always verify final eligibility and application process from the official WB government portal before applying.