Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Announced in West Bengal

West Bengal announced the proposed Annapurna Bhandar scheme on 11 May 2026 after the first cabinet meeting of the new BJP government. The scheme is linked to financial support for eligible women in the state and is scheduled for rollout from 1 June 2026.

Annapurna Bhandar Scheme

The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is a state welfare initiative for women in West Bengal. Eligible women are expected to receive Rs 3,000 per month through direct bank transfers. The scheme has been described as a replacement or major upgrade to the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme

Lakshmir Bhandar was a women-centric welfare scheme in West Bengal. It provided Rs 1,500 per month to general category women and Rs 1,700 per month to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. The new proposal places Annapurna Bhandar in the same policy area of direct cash support to women.

Implementation Status and Administrative Process

As of 11 May 2026, the scheme had been announced but no official government order or notification for the application process had been issued. The rollout date mentioned for the scheme was 1 June 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• West Bengal is a state in eastern India with Kolkata as its capital.
• Direct Benefit Transfer is a method of transferring government benefits directly into bank accounts.
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are constitutionally recognised social groups in India.
• Women-focused cash transfer schemes are a common feature of state welfare policy in India.