West Bengal Approves Free Bus Travel for Women, Annapurna Yojana

West Bengal approved free bus travel for women in state-run buses and the Annapurna Yojana, also called the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, on 18 May 2026. The free bus travel facility will start on 1 June 2026, and the welfare scheme will provide ₹3,000 per month to eligible women beneficiaries from the same date.

Free Bus Travel for Women

Free travel for women will apply to all state-run buses across West Bengal from 1 June 2026. The measure is linked to public transport use by women, including students and working professionals, in both rural and urban areas of the state.

Annapurna Yojana: Key Features

The Annapurna Yojana is a direct benefit transfer-style welfare initiative for women from economically weaker households. The scheme provides monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 and is intended to support household expenditure and financial security.

Eligibility and Beneficiary Coverage

Women already receiving benefits under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will be included automatically in the Annapurna Yojana. A new portal will be opened for women not covered under the existing system, and the beneficiary list will be checked before launch to remove ineligible entries.

Important Facts for Exams

• West Bengal is an Indian state on the eastern coast of India, and Kolkata is its capital.
• Lakshmir Bhandar is a state welfare scheme for women in West Bengal.
• Aadhaar-linked bank accounts are used in many Indian welfare schemes for direct benefit transfer.
• Economically Weaker Section is a category used in Indian welfare and reservation-related policy frameworks.

Eligibility Conditions

The likely eligibility criteria include women aged 25 to 60 years, permanent residency in West Bengal, a name on the voter list, an Aadhaar-linked bank account, and membership of a low-income household or Economically Weaker Section category. The scheme is designed for women in both rural and urban areas of West Bengal.