Annapurna Yojana 2026: Who is eligible for Rs 3,000 monthly benefit? Check application process

The West Bengal government is set to roll out the Annapurna Yojana from June 1, 2026. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 per month through DBT, with the first phase of fund transfers scheduled to begin from June 3. The new scheme is expected to replace the existing Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, with eligible beneficiaries being shifted to the Annapurna Yojana framework after verification.

What is Annapurna Yojana?

Annapurna Yojana is a welfare scheme launched by the West Bengal government to provide monthly financial support to eligible women. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive Rs 3,000 every month directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the DBT system.

The initiative is designed to improve financial security for women and help families manage rising household expenses.

Who is eligible for Annapurna Yojana 2026?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• Must be a woman
• Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
• Must be between 25 and 60 years of age
• Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account
• Must not be an income taxpayer
• Must not be a serving or retired government employee receiving salary or pension from the Centre, state government, local bodies or government-aided institutions

Who is not eligible for the scheme?

The following categories are not expected to qualify for benefits under the scheme:

• Income taxpayers
• Permanent government employees
• Government pensioners
• Individuals receiving regular salaries or pensions from government institutions
• Applicants found ineligible during verification conducted by authorities

How much money will beneficiaries receive?

Eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 3,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer. The amount will be credited directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account.

The assistance is significantly higher than the benefits available under the existing Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme.

Will Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries need to apply again?

According to government announcements, existing eligible Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be migrated to the Annapurna Yojana database.

However, beneficiaries should ensure that their Aadhaar-linked bank account details are correct and active. Authorities may also carry out verification before benefits are transferred under the new scheme.

Documents required for Annapurna Yojana application

Applicants may need the following documents:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• Residence proof
• Aadhaar-linked bank account details or passbook
• Passport-size photographs
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification, if required

How to apply for Annapurna Yojana

The enrolment process will be available through both online and offline modes.

Online application process

Step 1: Visit the official Annapurna Yojana portal.

Step 2: Register using your mobile number.

Step 3: Complete OTP verification.

Step 4: Fill in personal, family and bank account details.

Step 5: Upload the required documents.

Step 6: Submit the application form.

Step 7: Save the application reference number for future tracking.

Offline application process

Applicants can also apply through:

• Block Development Offices (BDOs)
• Municipal offices
• Panchayat offices
• Government enrolment camps organised across the state

Officials are expected to assist beneficiaries in completing the application process.

How to check Annapurna Yojana application status

Beneficiaries can track their application status online through the official portal.

Step 1: Visit the official portal.

Step 2: Click on the 'Track Application' option.

Step 3: Enter the application reference number.

Step 4: View the latest status of the application.

Applicants can also visit their local block or municipal office with the acknowledgement receipt to check the status offline.

When will payments start?

The Annapurna Yojana is scheduled to be rolled out from June 1, 2026, with enrolment and implementation beginning across West Bengal. According to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the first phase of fund transfers under the scheme will start from June 3, with eligible women beneficiaries receiving Rs 3,000 directly in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Key points applicants should know

• Ensure that the bank account is linked with Aadhaar.
• Enter all details exactly as they appear in official documents.
• Keep the application reference number safe for future use.
• Verify bank account details before submitting the application.
• Submit only genuine information to avoid delays or rejection.
• Apply through official government portals or authorised centres only.