West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana Cash Aid Scheme for Women
The newly elected BJP-led West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, announced the Annapurna Yojana, providing ₹3,000 monthly to eligible women aged 25-60, replacing the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Starting June 1, 2026, the scheme requires an 11-page application form and a 90-day verification process, citing 30 lakh of 2.2 crore existing beneficiaries as ineligible (non-Indians or voter list deletions). The scheme costs an estimated ₹72,000 crore annually, facing criticism for burdensome verification and potential delays.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
West Bengal launches Annapurna Yojana cash transfer for 28 lakh women
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched the Annapurna Bhandar scheme on June 4, 2026, providing ₹3,000 per month to over 28.25 lakh women aged 25-60. The scheme fulfills a BJP poll promise to double the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme's benefit. Beneficiaries have 90 days to register, and the government will publish the beneficiary list for public scrutiny to prevent corruption. Women's and Child Development Minister Agnimitra Paul noted that fresh applications are needed due to corruption in the earlier scheme. The 11-page application form has drawn criticism. Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal confirmed that objections can be filed against ineligible recipients.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal Launches Annapurna Yojana: Women to Receive ₹3,000 Monthly Cash Assistance
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the launch of the Annapurna Yojana, a new cash assistance scheme for women, with the first phase of fund transfers beginning on June 3, 2026. Eligible women beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 per month directly into their bank accounts. The existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will continue until the new program is fully implemented. Application forms were released on May 27, 2026, and will be available both online and offline. A 90-day verification process is required, and even current Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries must apply afresh. The Chief Minister emphasized that only Indian citizens are eligible, excluding infiltrators from Bangladesh. Government officials and MLAs will assist applicants, including door-to-door visits by Block Development Officer teams.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Trinamool Congress Criticizes 11-Page Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Form in West Bengal
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal over the 11-page application form for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, a social security program providing ₹3,000 monthly cash transfers to women. TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee shared a pre-election BJP mock-up form (half a page) alongside the current lengthy version, accusing the government of broken promises. TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh questioned the inclusion of conditional requirements such as CAA status, vaccination records, and family land holdings. Congress state president Subhankar Sarkar wrote to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urging simplification. Many women beneficiaries, particularly those with low literacy, expressed frustration, with some deciding not to apply. The scheme is set to launch on June 1, 2026, replacing the previous TMC government's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal government faces Annapurna challenge, to verify beneficiaries before rolling out cash transfer scheme
The newly elected BJP-led West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is facing its first major challenge in implementing the Annapurna Yojana, a cash transfer scheme promising ₹3,000 per month to women—double the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme's ₹1,500. The government has initiated a 90-day verification process, claiming that around 30 lakh of the 2.2 crore existing beneficiaries are ineligible (non-Indians or deleted from voter lists). Beneficiaries must fill an 11-page form requiring extensive family details, land documents, Aadhaar, PAN, and bank information. The financial burden is estimated at ₹6,000 crore per month (₹72,000 crore annually), which would consume 18% of the state's interim budget of ₹4.06 lakh crore. Critics, including agricultural workers' unions, argue the verification process is excessively burdensome and may be a tactic to delay or reduce the scheme's rollout.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal government faces Annapurna challenge, to verify beneficiaries before rolling out cash transfer scheme
The newly elected BJP-led West Bengal government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is facing its first major challenge in implementing the Annapurna Yojana, a cash transfer scheme promising ₹3,000 per month to women—double the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The government has introduced an 11-page application form and a 90-day verification process, citing that around 30 lakh of the 2.2 crore existing beneficiaries may be ineligible (non-Indians or deleted from voter lists). The scheme would cost an estimated ₹6,000 crore per month (₹72,000 crore annually), representing 18% of the state's interim budget. Critics, including agricultural workers' unions, argue the verification process is overly burdensome and designed to delay implementation. The government also faces pressure to implement the 7th Pay Commission and pay ₹40,000 crore in DA arrears following a Supreme Court order.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Annapurna Yojana: West Bengal's New Welfare Scheme Form Requires Extensive Family Details
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, released the 11-page application form for the Annapurna Yojana, a new financial assistance scheme replacing the previous Lakshmir Bhandar program. Starting June 1, eligible women aged 25-60 will receive a flat monthly benefit of Rs 3,000 via DBT. The form requires detailed family information to extend other scheme benefits. Approximately 2.2 crore women currently receive benefits, with about 30 lakh deemed ineligible. The transition will maintain Lakshmir Bhandar payments until enrollment completes. Exclusions include income taxpayers, government employees, and pensioners. Applications can be submitted online from June 1 or offline through local help desks. Beneficiaries with pending CAA applications or SIR Tribunal appeals will continue receiving support until resolution.
The Indian Express30 Lakh Women Ineligible for West Bengal Cash Transfer Scheme, Says CM Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that approximately 30 lakh beneficiaries of the previous TMC government's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' cash transfer scheme for women are ineligible, as they are either non-Indians or their names were permanently deleted from the voter list. However, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) applicants and those who have appealed to an SIR-linked tribunal for voter list inclusion remain eligible for the new 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, which provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women. The BJP government introduced a verification form for the new scheme, to be overseen by Women's Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul and senior state officials. Until the verification process is complete, existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will continue receiving payments under the old scheme. The announcement marks a major policy shift in West Bengal's welfare landscape.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Annapurna Yojana: West Bengal Launches New Cash Aid Scheme for Women
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on May 26, 2026 that forms for the Annapurna Yojana cash aid scheme for women would be issued starting May 27, 2026. Under the scheme, women will receive ₹3,000 per month. The existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will continue until the new program is fully implemented. Forms will be available both online and offline from the state secretariat Nabanna. Beneficiaries will receive payments soon after enrolment and verification. MLAs and district officials will assist women with applications, including door-to-door assistance. The government has initiated a database cleansing exercise to remove ineligible names, including deceased, shifted, and duplicate entries. Only Indian citizens are eligible. The scheme is set to launch on June 1, 2026.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.