The Annapurna Yojana, also known as the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, was officially launched by the West Bengal Government on 3 June 2026. This flagship welfare program is aimed at providing financial support to women, helping them achieve greater economic stability. The scheme was introduced following a cabinet decision on 11 May 2026 and is a key electoral promise fulfilled by the government.
It replaces the previous Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme and significantly increases the monthly assistance amount from ₹1,500-₹1,700 to ₹3,000 per month. The government has allocated a substantial budget of ₹36,000 crore for this initiative in the 2026-27 State Budget, aiming to benefit nearly 2 crore women across the state. In its first phase on the launch day, financial assistance was credited to over 28.25 lakh women, demonstrating the government’s commitment to swift implementation.
PMAY-G Beneficiary List 2026: pmayg.nic.in, Installment Status, Eligibility & AwaasSoft Portal
Overview of the Scheme
The Annapurna Yojana is a social welfare initiative by the West Bengal government to provide direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month to women aged 25-60. The scheme is a revamped version of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, addressing previous issues of fraud and ineligibility through a strict verification process.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Annapurna Yojana / Annapurna Bhandar Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Launch Date | 3 June 2026 |
| Monthly Benefit | ₹3,000 |
| Annual Budget | ₹36,000 crore |
| Target Beneficiaries | 2 crore women |
| Application Mode | Online & Offline |
| Official Website | socialregistry.wb.gov.in |
Key Features of the Scheme
The Annapurna Yojana stands out due to its robust features aimed at ensuring transparency and direct benefit to eligible women.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The ₹3,000 monthly assistance is directly credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries, eliminating intermediaries.
- Increased Financial Support: The scheme offers a significant increase in monthly assistance compared to the previous Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme.
- Strict Verification: A rigorous verification process is implemented to ensure only eligible women receive benefits, addressing past issues of fraud.
- Inclusivity for Refugees: Refugees from Bangladesh who have applied for citizenship under the CAA will continue to receive benefits until their cases are resolved.
- Targeted Beneficiaries: The scheme specifically targets women from economically weaker sections who are not income taxpayers or government employees.
- Phased Implementation: The scheme was implemented in phases, starting with the 1st instalment on 3 June 2026, followed by the 2nd instalment on 1 July 2026, ensuring a systematic rollout.
- Wide Reach: The scheme has already reached over 1 crore women by July 2026, showcasing its extensive coverage and popularity.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objectives of the Annapurna Yojana are focused on socio-economic upliftment and ensuring financial security for women in West Bengal.
- To provide financial empowerment to women across West Bengal.
- To enhance the financial stability of low-income families.
- To help women manage household expenses more effectively.
- To reduce the financial burden on families.
- To support women’s healthcare needs.
- To improve the standard of living of women in the state.
- To ensure transparency in welfare distribution through DBT.
- To replace the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme with a more efficient and equitable program.
- To address and eliminate fraud and ineligibility in the beneficiary list.
- To provide a streamlined and accessible application process for all eligible women.
Eligibility Criteria Of The Annapurna Yojana
To apply for the Annapurna Yojana, applicants must meet all the following eligibility criteria. This ensures the benefits are directed to the intended target group.
- Must be a woman residing in West Bengal.
- Age must be between 25 to 60 years.
- Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Must not be an income taxpayer.
- Must not be a permanent or retired government employee, or receiving a regular salary/pension from the state or central government, panchayats, municipalities, statutory bodies, or government-aided institutions.
- Must not be employed in a teaching or non-teaching role in any government-aided educational institution in West Bengal.
Benefits Of the Scheme
The Annapurna Yojana offers comprehensive benefits aimed at providing holistic support to women.
Financial Empowerment and Support
The core benefit of the Annapurna Yojana is the direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month. This monthly amount is credited directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The increased financial support helps women in managing daily household expenses, such as groceries, utilities, and children’s education. It also empowers them financially by giving them their own source of income.
Enhanced Standard of Living
By providing a steady monthly income, the scheme helps improve the standard of living for families. It reduces the financial burden on the household, allowing families to allocate funds for healthcare and other essential needs. The financial boost enhances the overall quality of life and provides a safety net.
Replaces Previous Scheme
The Annapurna Yojana effectively replaces the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, offering a significantly higher monthly benefit amount and a more rigorous verification process to ensure fairness. This transition represents a major upgrade in the state’s welfare initiatives for women.
Application Procedure of the Scheme
The application process for the Annapurna Yojana is designed to be accessible through both online and offline modes, ensuring no eligible woman is left out.
Online Application Process
The online application process is available through the official portal. Here are the steps to apply online:
- Visit the official Social Registry West Bengal portal at socialregistry.wb.gov.in.
- Select your district from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your mobile number and click ‘Request OTP’.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click ‘Verify & Continue’.
- Fill in the required information: basic info, ration card details, assets, income/profession, identity docs, government scheme, and family identity.
- Accept the declaration & consent and upload the required documents.
- Submit the form and note down the application reference number for future tracking.
Offline Application Process
For those who prefer offline application, the process is straightforward and accessible at various government offices.
- Visit the nearest Block Development Office (BDO), municipality office, or a designated Janakalyan Shibir camp.
- Collect the Annapurna Yojana application form or submit a filled one if already obtained.
- Fill out all the required details accurately.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit the completed form to the official at the office.
- Receive an acknowledgement receipt for your records.
Important Dates and Timeline
Staying informed about the important dates is crucial for a timely and successful application. The scheme operates on a specific timeline, as detailed below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Approval | 11 May 2026 |
| Gazette Notification | 19 May 2026 |
| Offline Form Available | 27 May 2026 |
| Scheme Launch | 1-3 June 2026 |
| 1st Instalment Disbursement | 3 June 2026 |
| 2nd Instalment Disbursement | 1 July 2026 |
| Enrollment Window | 90 days starting from 1 June 2026 |
| Verification Last Date | 30 August 2026 |
Document Required To Apply for this Scheme
Applicants must have the following documents ready to ensure a smooth application process. These documents are essential for verification purposes.
- Aadhaar Card (of the applicant and family members)
- Voter ID Card (EPIC)
- Residence Proof (e.g., Voter ID, Ration Card)
- Bank Account Passbook / Statement (Aadhaar-linked)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Digital Ration Card (preferred)
- PAN Card (if applicable)
How to Check the Application Status
Once you have applied, you can track the status of your application through both online and offline methods. Here’s how to do it.
Online Status Check Process
- Visit the official Social Registry West Bengal portal at socialregistry.wb.gov.in.
- Log in using your district, mobile number, and OTP.
- Access your profile to view the application status and related details.
- If the application status is not visible online, contact your local block or municipal office.
Offline Status Check Process
- Visit the local Block Development Office (BDO) or municipal office where you submitted your application.
- Provide your acknowledgement receipt, application number, or registered mobile number to the concerned official.
- Request them to check and provide the current status of your application.
Application Fee and Scheme Fee
One of the most important aspects of this scheme is its cost to the applicant.
- No Application Fee: The Government of West Bengal has not mandated any application or processing fee for the Annapurna Yojana. The scheme is free of cost for all eligible women.
- No Scheme Fee: There is no other type of fee or amount required to be paid by the beneficiaries to receive benefits under this scheme. The ₹3,000 per month is provided to the beneficiaries without any deductions.
- Beware of Scams: Since there are no fees, applicants should be extremely cautious of any individual or agent demanding money for registration, form filling, or to “guarantee” scheme benefits. All official processes are free and conducted through government channels.
Latest Updates Of The Scheme
Stay updated with the latest news and developments regarding the Annapurna Yojana.
- Successful 1st and 2nd Instalments: The first instalment was successfully disbursed on 3 June 2026 to 28.25 lakh women, and the second instalment was released on 1 July 2026 to over 1.3 crore women.
- Applications Rejected: The government rejected 26 lakh applications after scrutiny, primarily due to citizenship-related issues and ineligibility, ensuring benefits reach genuine candidates.
- CAA Applicants: The Chief Minister announced that refugees from Bangladesh who have applied for Indian citizenship under the CAA will continue to receive benefits until their cases are resolved.
- Verification Process: The verification process is ongoing, with government officials visiting households to check the authenticity of applications.
- Transparency Measures: Beneficiary lists are being published at block, panchayat, and booth levels to ensure transparency and allow citizens to raise objections if needed.
Selection Process of the Scheme
The selection process for the Annapurna Yojana is detailed and involves multiple stages to ensure fairness and accuracy.
- Application Submission: Eligible women submit their applications either online or offline with all required details and documents.
- Verification: The submitted forms are reviewed by designated government officials, such as Block Development Officers (BDOs), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), and municipal authorities.
- Household Visits: In some cases, officials conduct door-to-door visits to verify the information provided in the application forms.
- Recommendation: After verification, the BDOs/SDOs recommend the list of eligible applicants to the District Magistrate (DM) for sanction.
- Sanction: The District Magistrate or Commissioner of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) acts as the sanctioning authority and approves the list of beneficiaries.
- Benefit Disbursement: Once sanctioned, the monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 is credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the selected beneficiaries via DBT.
Common Mistakes While Applying
Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure your application is processed smoothly and without delays.
- Incorrect Information: Providing wrong personal details, such as name, age, or address that does not match official documents.
- Incomplete Form: Leaving mandatory fields blank in the application form.
- Invalid Documents: Submitting documents that are not self-attested, expired, or do not match the information in the form.
- Inactive Bank Account: Using a bank account that is not active or not linked to your Aadhaar card, leading to DBT failures.
- Not Meeting Eligibility: Applying even if you do not meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., being a government employee or income taxpayer).
- Ignoring the Deadline: Missing the 90-day enrollment window, which closes in late August 2026.
Reasons for Application Rejection
Understanding the common reasons for rejection can help you avoid them.
- Ineligibility: Not meeting the basic criteria such as age limit, being a government employee, or being an income taxpayer.
- Citizenship Issues: Failing to prove Indian citizenship or having names deleted from the voter list.
- Duplicate/Fake Beneficiaries: Multiple applications or providing false information.
- Incomplete Documentation: Failing to submit the required documents or submitting documents that do not match the information on the form.
- Verification Failure: Failing the verification process conducted by government officials.
- Bank Account Issues: The provided bank account is invalid, inactive, or not Aadhaar-linked.
How to Register and Login to the Official Portal
The official portal, Social Registry West Bengal, is the key platform for online applications and status checks.
Registration Process
- Visit the official portal: socialregistry.wb.gov.in.
- Click on the “Access Citizen Portal” option.
- Select your district from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your mobile number and click on ‘Request OTP’.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click ‘Verify & Continue’.
- Your mobile number is now registered, and you can proceed to fill out the application form.
Login Process
- Visit the official portal.
- Select your district from the dropdown.
- Enter your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Click on ‘Verify & Continue’ to log in to your account and access your application status and other details.
Reset and Forget Password and Username
Since the portal uses mobile number and OTP-based login, there is no traditional password to reset. If you face issues:
- Mobile Number Issues: If you have changed your registered mobile number, you will need to contact the local Block Development Office or municipal office to update your contact details in the system.
- OTP Not Received: If you do not receive the OTP, ensure your mobile number is active and has network coverage. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, visit the local government office for assistance.
Grievance Redressal Process
If you face any issues or have complaints regarding the Annapurna Yojana, you can follow the grievance redressal process.
- Local Government Offices: The first point of contact is your local Block Development Office (BDO), municipal office, or Panchayat office. You can visit in person or send a written complaint.
- District Administration: If your issue is not resolved at the local level, you can escalate it to the District Magistrate’s office.
- Official Portal: The official portal may have a dedicated grievance or help section. Check the portal for any updates or forms related to complaints.
- Helpline: While a dedicated helpline for Annapurna Yojana is being updated, you can contact the Department of Women & Child Development helpline at 033-23341563 for general queries related to the department.
Renewal Process
For the Annapurna Yojana, there is no annual renewal process as seen in some other schemes. Once a beneficiary is selected and starts receiving benefits, it is expected to continue as long as the eligibility criteria are met. However:
- Periodic Verification: The government may conduct periodic verification checks to ensure the beneficiaries remain eligible (e.g., not becoming income taxpayers, not getting a government job).
- In Case of Ineligibility: If a beneficiary is found to have become ineligible (e.g., got a government job), the benefits may be stopped, and she may need to inform the department.
- No Annual Application: Beneficiaries do not need to reapply annually unless specifically instructed by the government. The initial enrollment is a one-time process.
Important Links and PDFs of the Scheme
Here are the most important links and resources for the Annapurna Yojana.
- Official Portal: https://socialregistry.wb.gov.in/
- Annapurna Yojana Application Form: Available for download on the official portal in English, Bengali, and Hindi.
- Gazette Notification: No. 2411-WCD/O/AB-4/2026 dated 19 May 2026.
- Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Yojana Migration Details: Information on the migration process, if applicable, is available on the portal.
Contact Information
For any queries or assistance regarding the Annapurna Yojana, you can reach out through the following channels:
- Block Development Office (BDO): Visit your local BDO office for offline applications, status checks, and general inquiries.
- Municipal Office: Visit the municipal corporation office in your area for assistance.
- Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare: The nodal department for the scheme.
- Helpline Number: 033-23341563 (Department helpline for general queries).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about the Annapurna Yojana.
Q1. What is the Annapurna Yojana?
The Annapurna Yojana is a welfare scheme by the West Bengal Government that provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Q2. Who is eligible for the Annapurna Yojana?
Women who are permanent residents of West Bengal, aged between 25-60 years, and are not income taxpayers or government employees are eligible.
Q3. How can I apply for the Annapurna Yojana?
You can apply online through the official portal socialregistry.wb.gov.in or offline by visiting your local Block Development Office or municipal office.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for the Annapurna Yojana?
The government provided a 90-day enrollment window from 1 June 2026, which ends in late August 2026.
Q5. How much money will I get under the Annapurna Yojana?
Eligible women receive ₹3,000 per month under this scheme.
Q6. What documents are needed for the Annapurna Yojana?
Essential documents include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Residence Proof, Bank Account Passbook, and Passport-size photographs.
Q7. How can I check my Annapurna Yojana application status?
You can check your status online on the official portal by logging in or offline by visiting your local BDO or municipal office.
Q8. Is there any application fee for the Annapurna Yojana?
No, there is no application fee for the Annapurna Yojana. The process is completely free.
Q9. Why was my Annapurna Yojana application rejected?
Reasons can include ineligibility (age, government employee, income taxpayer), citizenship issues, incomplete documentation, or verification failure.
Q10. When will the Annapurna Yojana money be credited?
The first instalment was credited on 3 June 2026, and the second on 1 July 2026. Subsequent monthly credits will follow the schedule set by the government.