Which women will get financial assistance of ₹ 3,000 every month under Annapurna Bhandar Scheme? Which people will be considered ineligible for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme? What are the necessary documents and procedures prescribed to apply for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
Annapurna Bhandar Online Apply: The West Bengal government is starting ‘Annapurna Bhandar Scheme’ from June 1, 2026. Under this scheme, eligible women of the state will be given fixed financial assistance of Rs 3,000 every month directly into their bank accounts. This scheme is replacing the previous government’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, in which women used to get Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 per month.
If you want to know whether the women of your family are eligible for this new scheme or not, then let me explain to you all its rules in simple and clear words.
Eligibility Criteria for Annapurna Bhandar Yojana
The government has set some clear rules to avail the benefits of this scheme. If you fulfill all the conditions given below, you can avail the benefits of this scheme:
- Age Limit: The age of the woman applying should be between 25 years to 60 years.
- Permanent resident: It is mandatory for the woman to be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- bank account: There should be a single bank account in the name of the woman, which is compulsorily linked to the Aadhaar card (Aadhaar Seeded). Joint accounts will not be valid for this scheme.
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Who will not get the benefit of this scheme? Disqualifications
Some strict rules have also been made to maintain transparency in government schemes. State Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has clarified that after investigation, about 30 lakh beneficiaries of the old ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ have been declared ineligible (unfit). You will be ineligible for this scheme if:
- Government Jobs: If the woman of the family is in any permanent government job (Central or State Government, Panchayat, Municipality etc.) or is in receipt of regular pension. Employees of government-aided schools and colleges are also included in this.
- Income Tax: If the woman pays income tax.
- Removal of name from voter list: Those whose names have been struck off from the voter list during the recently conducted Special Intensive Revision (SIR-2026), or who have been marked as deceased, shifted or non-Indian citizens, will not get this benefit.
What are the rules for old ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ beneficiaries?
If you or any woman in your family was already availing the benefits of Lakshmir Bhandar Yojana and all their documents are correct, then there is no need to worry. On behalf of the government, all such eligible beneficiaries will be directly shifted (auto-migrate) to Annapurna Yojana without filling any new form.
Important Documents required for application
Both online and offline processes for new applicants are starting from June 1, 2026. Keep clear copies of the following documents ready before application:
- Aadhar card
- Voter ID Card (EPIC)
- digital ration card
- Residential Proof
- Passbook of bank account linked to Aadhaar (in which IFSC code and account number are clearly visible)
- passport size photo
how to apply? (How to Apply)
online media: New applicants can apply online through the official portal being launched by the state government on June 1, 2026.
offline medium: People who do not have internet facility can submit the form physically by visiting their nearest BDO office, Municipality or ‘Public Welfare Camps’ to be organized between June 15 to 17.
As a responsible citizen, ensure that all your documents, especially Aadhaar and bank account information (DBT link), are completely updated. Do not share your personal information on any external or fake website and use only official government portals or camps.
This monthly amount of Rs 3,000 can become a big financial boost for many families, all that is needed is to take action at the right time with the right information.
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