Annapurna Yojana: Women beneficiaries to receive ₹3,000 in West Bengal’s new cash assistance scheme

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People stand in queue outside a Post Office to complete the verification process for the ‘Annapurna Yojana‘ financial assistance scheme for women, in Balurghat, West Bengal. | Photo Credit: PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said that the first phase of fund transfers under the Annapurna Yojana will commence on June 3, 2026, with eligible women beneficiaries receiving ₹3,000 directly in their bank accounts.

An order issued by the State Secretariat said that the Chief Minister will inaugurate the scheme on June 3. Beneficiaries are expected to participate virtually from block- and municipal-level venues. As part of the launch, sanction letters will be distributed to selected beneficiaries immediately after the inauguration. According to the order, 100 beneficiaries each from every block, municipality and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation will receive sanction letters on the day.

Under the scheme, women will receive ₹3,000 per month. The existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will continue until the new programme is fully implemented.

“Like we are continuing Swasthya Sathi till its conversion to Ayushman Bharat is complete, similarly, until the Annapurna Yojana is fully rolled out, Lakshmir Bhandar will continue. From tomorrow, the process for Annapurna Yojana begins,” he said.

Mr. Adhikari said a form for the Annapurna Yojana would be released from the State secretariat on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) evening, along with Minister Agnimitra Paul.

He said forms for the scheme would be issued from Nabanna and made available both online and offline.

“I, along with Minister Agnimitra Paul, will be publishing a form for Annapurna Yojana from Nabanna tomorrow in the presence of the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. Detailed guidelines will also be announced,” he said.

The Chief Minister said beneficiaries would begin receiving payments soon after enrolment and verification.

“As and when forms are filled up, ₹3,000 will start getting credited into beneficiaries’ accounts