The Government of West Bengal has launched the Annapurna Yojana 2026, a major welfare initiative aimed at strengthening the financial security of women across the state. Effective from 3 June 2026, the scheme provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), helping them achieve greater financial independence and improve their quality of life. What is Annapurna Yojana? Annapurna Yojana is a state-sponsored financial assistance scheme designed to provide regular income support to eligible women in West Bengal. The initiative expands upon previous social welfare programs and seeks to ensure that women from economically vulnerable households receive direct financial benefits without intermediaries. Under the scheme, approved beneficiaries receive a fixed monthly payment directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. Key Features of Annapurna Yojana 2026 ₹3,000 Monthly Financial Assistance - Every eligible beneficiary receives a monthly stipend of ₹3,000, credited directly to her DBT linked bank account. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) -The government transfers funds electronically to eliminate delays, corruption, and middlemen, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Automatic Migration from Previous Schemes - Existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme may be automatically migrated to Annapurna Yojana after successful verification of eligibility and documentation. Scheme eligibility Women must satisfy the following conditions to qualify for Annapurna Yojana: Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal. Must be an Indian citizen. Age should generally be between 21 and 60 years. Should not be a permanent government employee. Should not be receiving a regular government pension. Must not be an income-tax payer. Must possess a valid Aadhaar-linked bank account. Must possess a Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number. Must be have a voter ID card. Applicants failing to meet any of these conditions may be declared ineligible during verification. How to Apply for Annapurna Yojana Documents Required Applicants should keep the following documents ready while applying: Aadhaar Card Voter ID Card (EPIC) Constitusion Name & Part Number of the voter list Swasthya Sathi Card Caste Certificate (if applicable) Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar Online Application Process Visit the official West Bengal Social Security Portal. Complete the registration process using your mobile number and Aadhaar details. Fill out the Annapurna Yojana application form. Upload the required documents. Verify all details carefully before submission. Submit the application and note the application reference number. Offline Application Process Applicants can also visit: Block Development Office (BDO) Sub-Divisional Office (SDO) Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) offices Designated government facilitation centres Officials will assist in completing and submitting the application. Application Verification Process After submission, applications are verified by authorized government officials: BDO officials for rural areas SDO officials for urban areas KMC authorities within Kolkata Verification includes checking identity, residency, eligibility status, and bank account details. Important Instructions for Beneficiaries Ensure Aadhaar-Bank Linking Your Aadhaar number must be linked with your bank account and correctly mapped through NPCI to receive DBT payments. Tips to note by applicants Verify Personal Information - Ensure that your name, date of birth, Aadhaar details, and bank account information match across all documents. Keep Mobile Number Active - Applicants should maintain an active mobile number to receive application updates, approval notifications, and payment alerts. Monitor Application Status - Beneficiaries should regularly check their application and payment status through the official portal or local administrative offices. Benefits of Annapurna Yojana The scheme aims to: Improve women's financial independence. Strengthen household income. Reduce economic vulnerability. Promote social security and welfare. Enhance access to public transportation through free bus travel benefits. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How much financial assistance is provided under Annapurna Yojana?Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹3,000 per month. Who can apply for Annapurna Yojana?Women who are permanent residents of West Bengal, aged 21–60 years, and who meet the eligibility requirements. Is Aadhaar mandatory?Yes. Aadhaar is required and should be linked with the beneficiary's bank account. Can Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries apply separately?In many cases, eligible beneficiaries are migrated automatically after verification. Applicants should check official notifications for updates. How are payments made?Payments are transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Information provided in this article is based on publicly available reports and government announcements available as of June 2026. Applicants should verify the latest guidelines through official government notifications before applying.