Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026: ₹3,000 Per Month for Women in West Bengal – Full Guide
The West Bengal government officially launched the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme on 3 June 2026. Under this scheme, women who meet the eligibility criteria will get ₹3,000 every month sent directly to their bank account. No middlemen. No queues at offices. The money comes straight through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
This scheme replaces the older Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme and nearly doubles the monthly benefit. If you or someone in your family is a woman living in West Bengal, this guide covers everything you need to know — who qualifies, what documents you need, how to apply, and how to track the status once you have applied.
- Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026: ₹3,000 Per Month for Women in West Bengal – Full Guide
- Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026 – Quick Overview
- What Is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
- Benefits of Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
- Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Eligibility 2026
- Who Can Apply?
- Who Is NOT Eligible?
- What Happens to Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries?
- Documents Required for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
- How to Download the Annapurna Bhandar Application Form
- Online (Download from Home)
- Offline (Pick Up from Office)
- What to Fill in the Annapurna Yojana Application Form
- Things to Keep in Mind While Filling the Form
- How to Apply for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
- Online Application (Expected to Start Soon)
- Offline Application (Open Since 27 May 2026)
- How to Check Annapurna Bhandar Application Status
- Online
- Offline
- How to Check the Annapurna Bhandar Beneficiary List
- How to Update Your Bank Account for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
- Step 1 — Check Which Bank Account Is Currently Linked to Your Aadhaar
- Step 2 — Update or Change the Linked Bank Account
- How to Verify the New Bank Account Is Linked
- Annapurna Bhandar Scheme vs Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
- Annapurna Bhandar Scheme West Bengal vs Rajasthan – What's the Difference?
- Central Government's Annapurna Scheme (NSAP) – Free Food for Senior Citizens
- Annapurna Bhandar Scheme – Latest News and Updates 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- CONCLUSION
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Bhandar Scheme / Annapurna Yojana |
| Previously Known As | Matri Shakti Bharosa Scheme |
| Launched On | 3 June 2026 |
| Nodal Department | Women and Child Welfare Department, West Bengal |
| Monthly Benefit | ₹3,000 |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Who Can Apply | Women residents of West Bengal |
| Age Limit | 25 to 60 years |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Form Available From | 27 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 August 2026 (90 days from 27 May 2026) |
| Expected Beneficiaries | Around 2 crore women |
What Is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme - also called Annapurna Yojana — is a women's welfare programme launched by the West Bengal government. It was earlier referred to as the Matri Shakti Bharosa Scheme before being officially renamed.
The idea behind it is simple: give women direct financial support so they can manage household expenses, handle their healthcare needs, and not have to depend entirely on others. The ₹3,000 goes straight into their Aadhaar-linked bank account every month through DBT, which means there is no scope for the money to get lost or delayed through third parties.
The Chief Minister announced the scheme through an official notification on 19 May 2026 and formally launched it on 3 June 2026 at Nabanna. In the very first phase, over 28 lakh women started receiving the money. The beneficiary list is being updated every seven days, and around 2 crore women are expected to be covered in total.
Benefits of Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
- ₹3,000 every month directly in the bank account — no cash handling, no delays
- Payment through DBT, which means it goes straight from the government to the beneficiary
- More than double the amount that was given under Lakshmir Bhandar (which was ₹1,500–₹1,700)
- Helps women cover daily household expenses and health-related costs
- Reduces financial stress on lower-income families
- Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be migrated automatically — they do not need to apply from scratch
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Eligibility 2026
Who Can Apply?
- The applicant must be a woman
- She must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
- Age must be between 25 and 60 years
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Women who pay income tax
- Permanent government employees or retired government employees
- Women receiving a regular salary or pension from the state government, central government, panchayat, municipality, statutory bodies, or government-aided educational institutions
- Women working in teaching or non-teaching roles in any government-aided educational institution in West Bengal
What Happens to Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries?
If you were already getting money under Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, you will be automatically shifted to Annapurna Bhandar. You do not need to apply again in most cases.
However, some beneficiaries will not be migrated:
- Those identified as dead, shifted, deleted, or absent during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of voter rolls
- Names deleted from the second list after the draft list was published
- Those deleted after adjudication
- Voters marked as ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate) during voter slip distribution
About 2.20 crore people were enrolled in Lakshmir Bhandar. Out of these, around 30 lakh were found ineligible — mostly non-Indian citizens or those whose names were permanently removed from the voter list. After removing these, the final count of Annapurna Bhandar beneficiaries will be approximately 2 crore.
Documents Required for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
Keep these documents ready before filling the form:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card (EPIC)
- Residence Proof
- Bank Account Passbook or Bank Statement
- Passport-size Photographs
Important: The bank account you provide must be linked with your Aadhaar card, because the ₹3,000 will be transferred only to the Aadhaar-linked account through DBT.
How to Download the Annapurna Bhandar Application Form
The application form has been available since 27 May 2026. It can be downloaded in three languages — English, Bengali, and Hindi.
Online (Download from Home)
Step 1 — Visit the official Annapurna Yojana portal
Step 2 — Click on the 'Download Annapurna Yojana Form' button
Step 3 — Choose your preferred language (English, Bengali, or Hindi)
Step 4 — Fill out the form completely and submit it at the nearest Block, Municipal, or Panchayat Office
Offline (Pick Up from Office)
- Go to your nearest Block Office, Municipality Office, or Panchayat Office
- MLAs are also helping beneficiaries fill out forms in their respective areas
- Teams under Block Development Officers (BDOs) are going door to door to help applicants
- The government also held "Janakalyan Shibirs" across the state from 15 to 17 June 2026 where people could submit their forms
What to Fill in the Annapurna Yojana Application Form
The form has seven main sections:
| Section | What to Fill |
|---|---|
| Family Identity | Details of Head of Family (HOF), Household ID from Digital Ration Card, Bank and EPIC details of all members |
| Ration Card / Food Subsidy | Whether family has a Digital Ration Card, ration lifting status, and card type |
| Assets | Details of house, land, vehicles, and insurance owned by the family |
| Income / Profession | Income tax status, GST registration, nature of employment, literacy status, and total annual family income |
| Other Identity Documents | CAA application status, other ID/credit card details, SIR 2026 tribunal details if any |
| Social Status and Dependents | Details of school-going children and their vaccination status |
| Declaration and Consent | Agreement to terms and signature or thumb impression |
Things to Keep in Mind While Filling the Form
- Write your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card
- Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
- Give the correct bank account number, bank name, and IFSC code
- Write your address with PIN code as it is in your residence proof document
- Read the declaration carefully before signing
- Double-check everything before submitting — mistakes can cause rejection or delays
How to Apply for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
Online Application (Expected to Start Soon)
Step 1 — Register and log in to the official Annapurna Yojana portal
Step 2 — Click on 'New Application' or 'Apply Online'
Step 3 — Verify your mobile number using the OTP sent to it
Step 4 — Fill in personal and family details
Step 5 — Upload the required documents
Step 6 — Submit the form and note down your Application Reference Number
Step 7 — Wait for verification and approval from the concerned department
Offline Application (Open Since 27 May 2026)
Step 1 — Go to the nearest Government Camp, Block Office, Municipality Office, or designated Service Centre
Step 2 — Submit your completed form along with self-attested copies of all documents
Step 3 — Collect the acknowledgement receipt and wait for verification
How to Check Annapurna Bhandar Application Status
Online
- Go to the official scheme portal
- Click on 'Track Application'
- Enter your Application Reference Number
- Your current status will show on the screen
Offline
- Visit your local Block or Municipal Office
- Carry your acknowledgement receipt with you
How to Check the Annapurna Bhandar Beneficiary List
The West Bengal government will publish the beneficiary list at the Block, Panchayat, and Booth levels. If someone who is not eligible appears on the list, citizens can raise an objection. Women who are eligible but have not made it to the list can reapply. Final lists are prepared based on recommendations from Sub-Divisional Officers, BDOs, and municipal authorities.
How to Update Your Bank Account for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
Many women migrating from Lakshmir Bhandar may have issues with their bank account — the account might be closed, inactive, or linked incorrectly in the system. Since DBT payments only go to the Aadhaar-linked bank account, it is important that the correct and active account is linked to your Aadhaar before the payment cycle begins.
Step 1 — Check Which Bank Account Is Currently Linked to Your Aadhaar
- Go to the official NPCI website (npci.org.in)
- Click on 'Customer' section → select 'Bharat Aadhaar Seeding Enabler (BASE)'
- Click on 'Aadhaar Mapped Status'
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code → click 'Check Status'
- Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Your currently linked bank account, bank name, and DBT status will appear on screen
Step 2 — Update or Change the Linked Bank Account
- Go to NPCI website → 'Customer' → BASE → click on 'Aadhaar Seeding/Deseeding'
- Enter your Aadhaar number and select the 'Seeding' option
- Select your new bank name from the list
- Choose the correct seeding type:
- Fresh Seeding — if no account was linked before
- Movement – Same Bank with Another Account — to switch accounts within the same bank
- Movement – From One Bank to Another Bank — to shift to a different bank entirely
- Enter and confirm the new bank account number
- Accept the declaration, fill the captcha, and click Submit
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile and confirm
Once done, your updated account becomes active for receiving DBT payments.
How to Verify the New Bank Account Is Linked
- Go to NPCI website → 'Customer' → BASE → 'Aadhaar Mapped Status'
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
- If the update was successful, the new bank account will show on screen
You can also check this by logging into the myAadhaar portal and clicking on the 'Bank Seeding Status' tab.
Note: DBT payments are made only to the Aadhaar-linked bank account. Make sure yours is active and updated before the payment date.
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme vs Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
| Particulars | Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme | Annapurna Bhandar Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Benefit | ₹1,500 – ₹1,700 | ₹3,000 |
| Age Eligibility | 25 – 60 years | 25 – 60 years |
| Payment Mode | DBT | DBT |
| Current Status | Being discontinued | Active from 1 June 2026 |
| Existing Beneficiaries | Currently receiving benefits | Will be auto-migrated |
| Financial Assistance Type | Category-wise | Flat monthly assistance |
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme West Bengal vs Rajasthan – What's the Difference?
A lot of people confuse the West Bengal scheme with the Rajasthan one because they share the same name. But the two are completely different in purpose and structure.
The Annapurna Bhandar Yojana in Rajasthan was a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) initiative launched in 2015. Its goal was to set up over 5,000 upgraded Fair Price Shops to make essential daily goods available to lower-income households at subsidised rates.
Here is how the two compare:
| Particulars | Annapurna Bhandar – West Bengal | Annapurna Bhandar – Rajasthan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Direct financial support to women | Upgrading Fair Price Shops |
| Type | DBT cash transfer | PPP retail model |
| Beneficiaries | Women residents of WB | BPL / NFSA card holders |
| Benefit | ₹3,000 per month in cash | Branded daily goods at subsidised rates |
| Launch Year | 2026 | 2015 |
| Current Status | Active | Discontinued, possible relaunch expected |
Central Government's Annapurna Scheme (NSAP) – Free Food for Senior Citizens
This is a third scheme with a similar name, and it is run by the central government under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). It has nothing to do with the West Bengal state scheme.
It was launched on 1 April 2000 by the Ministry of Rural Development and targets destitute senior citizens aged 65 and above who are not receiving any old age pension.
Key details:
- Benefit: 10 kg of free food grains (rice or wheat) per month
- Application: Offline through the nearest Gram Panchayat or Block Development Office
- Beneficiary Selection: Done by Gram Sabhas; the list is displayed at Gram Panchayats
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme – Latest News and Updates 2026
- 19 May 2026 — Chief Minister of West Bengal issued the official notification with full details of eligibility, application process, and beneficiary selection
- 27 May 2026 — Application forms made available both online and at offline centres
- 3 June 2026 — Chief Minister formally launched the scheme at Nabanna; payments started reaching over 28 lakh beneficiaries
- The beneficiary list is updated every 7 days
- 90-day window to submit applications, with the last date being 25 August 2026
- Around 2 crore women are expected to be covered under this scheme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How much money is given under Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
Eligible women receive ₹3,000 per month directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.
Q2. Who is eligible for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme 2026?
Women who are permanent residents of West Bengal, aged 25 to 60 years, and are not income taxpayers or government employees.
Q3. What is the difference between Annapurna Bhandar and Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
Lakshmir Bhandar gave ₹1,500–₹1,700 per month. Annapurna Bhandar gives ₹3,000 per month. Lakshmir Bhandar is being discontinued and its beneficiaries are being automatically migrated to the new scheme.
Q4. Where can I get the Annapurna Bhandar application form?
Download it from the official Annapurna Yojana portal, or collect it from your nearest Block Office, Municipal Office, or Panchayat Office.
Q5. How do I check my Annapurna Bhandar application status?
Visit the official scheme portal, go to 'Track Application', and enter your Application Reference Number. For offline status, visit the Block or Municipal Office with your acknowledgement receipt.
Q6. What is the last date to apply for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?
The government has given 90 days from 27 May 2026, making the last date 25 August 2026.
Q7. Is annapurnabhandar.com an official government website?
No. Always use only the official West Bengal Government portal to get accurate information about this scheme.
CONCLUSION
The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme is one of the most significant financial support programmes for women in West Bengal in recent years. ₹3,000 every month, directly in the bank account — with no paperwork hassles after the initial application — can genuinely make a difference to millions of households.
If you or someone you know qualifies, do not wait till the last minute. The application window closes on 25 August 2026. Download the form from the official portal, fill it carefully, and submit it at your nearest government office. If you were already under Lakshmir Bhandar, check whether your Aadhaar-linked bank account is active and updated so that there are no payment issues when the money arrives.