Annapurna Bhandar scheme: How to apply, who is eligible, documents needed

TOI Business Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jun 04, 2026, 16:36 IST

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Annapurna Bhandar scheme: How to apply, who is eligible, documents needed

Suvendu Adhikari along with state Cabinet Minister Agnimitra Paul hand over symbolic cheques to beneficiaries during the launch of 'Annapurna Yojana in Howrah. (Photo credit: PTI)

The government of West Bengal, under newly sworn-in chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, has launched a new scheme called Annapurna Yojana under the department of women & child development and social welfare. Under this scheme, women living in West Bengal will receive Rs. 3,000 every month directly in their bank account. The money will be credited through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank accoun, starting June 1.Who can apply?A woman is not eligible if:

Residing in West Bengal.
Between 25 and 60 years of age.
Not employed in any permanent government job that pays a regular salary or pension. This includes central or state government, statutory bodies, government undertakings, panchayats, municipal bodies, local bodies or aided educational institutions.
Do not pay income tax.

Note: One is not eligible if she's in a permanent government employment receiving a regular salary or pension.What about Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries?If a woman is already receiving money under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, she'll will be automatically moved to Annapurna Yojana. she does not need to apply again.However, she will not be migrated if she's dead, shifted, deleted or absentee elector during SIR-2026 or deleted from the 2nd list after publication of the draft list, deleted after adjudication or found as ASDD during voter slip distribution.Additionally, if she's filed an appeal before the SIR Tribunal or applied under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, you will continue to receive financial assistance under the new scheme until your application is decided.

What documents does one need?Keep the following documents ready before applying:

Aadhaar Card
Voter ID or proof of residence
Bank account details
Passport-sized photograph
Mobile number linked to Aadhaar

How to apply?Both online and offline options are available for new applicants.

Online: Apply through the Annapurna Yojana Portal (https://socialregistry.wb.gov.in/), which opened on June 1.
Offline: Submit your application at designated enrolment camps.

A 90-day enrolment drive has been announced to help women across the state register.Once she applies, government officials will verify the application. In rural areas, Block Development Officers (BDOs) will handle verification. Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) will handle verification in urban areas. In Kolkata Municipal Corporation areas, KMC officers will manage the process. District Magistrates will act as the final sanctioning authority in districts, and the KMC Commissioner will do so within KMC limits.Only verified and eligible applicants will begin receiving the monthly assistance.

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The TOI Business Desk is a vigilant and dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant business news from around the world to readers of The Times of India. The primary focus of the TOI Business Desk is to keep a watchful eye on the global business landscape, covering a wide spectrum of industries, markets, economic trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact businesses and economies. With a mission to provide valuable insights and updates, the desk ensures that TOI readers are well-informed about the ever-changing and dynamic world of commerce and can navigate the complexities of the business world.

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