Annapurna Bhandar Apply Online: Eligibility Criteria For West Bengal Women To Receive ₹3,000 Monthly

The West Bengal government is set to roll out its flagship Annapurna Bhandar Scheme from June 1, offering ₹3,000 monthly financial assistance to eligible women through direct bank transfer. As interest around the scheme grows, many people are searching for details on Annapurna Bhandar apply online process, eligibility criteria, registration steps and documents required.

The new West Bengal Annapurna Bhandar Scheme will replace the existing Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme for eligible beneficiaries. According to Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul, women already receiving Lakshmi Bhandar benefits will be shifted to the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, except those removed from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

"Women who were earlier covered under Lakshmi Bhandar will now receive money under Annapurna Bhandar through direct bank transfer from June 1 onwards," the minister said.

The West Bengal Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme under which eligible women in the state will receive ₹3,000 every month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) starting June 1, 2026.

The monthly financial assistance will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries. Following the cabinet approval, Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul confirmed that the scheme will officially replace the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme launched during the previous Trinamool Congress government.

Under the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, women from the general category received ₹1,500 per month, while Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women received ₹1,700. However, the new West Bengal Annapurna Bhandar Scheme will provide a flat ₹3,000 monthly benefit to all eligible women regardless of social category. The Bengal government has also announced free travel for women on all state-run buses from June 1 alongside the scheme rollout.

The government is also expected to carry out strict verification of beneficiaries before the launch to remove fake and ineligible applicants. Officials said deceased beneficiaries, non-residents and those with pending citizenship or voter verification issues may not receive benefits under the new scheme.

West Bengal Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Eligibility Criteria

Women applying for the scheme are expected to meet the following conditions:

Must be a woman
Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
Must be above 25 years of age
Must belong to a low-income or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) family
Must hold a BPL, AAY or PHH ration card

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants may not qualify for the West Bengal Annapurna Bhandar Scheme:

Permanent or retired government employees
Non-residents of West Bengal
Individuals removed from voter rolls
Applicants whose citizenship or voter status is under verification

Annapurna Bhandar Apply Online: How To Register

The official online portal for Annapurna Bhandar registration is yet to be launched by the Bengal government. However, the expected application process is likely to follow these steps:

Step 1

Visit the official government website once the portal becomes active.

Step 2

Click on the "Annapurna Bhandar Apply Online" or registration link.

Step 3

Enter Aadhaar number and personal details.

Step 4

Upload required documents.

Step 5

Link bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Step 6

Submit the form and download the acknowledgement receipt.

How To Apply Offline?

Applicants may also be able to apply offline through government offices and camps.

Offline Application Process
Visit the nearest BDO office, SDO office, municipality office or designated service centre
Collect the Annapurna Bhandar application form
Submit the completed form along with self-attested documents
Collect acknowledgement receipt after submission
Wait for official verification

Documents Required For Annapurna Bhandar Registration

The following documents are likely to be required:

Aadhaar card
Voter ID card
Ration card
Residence proof
Income certificate
Bank account passbook or statement
Passport-size photographs

Under the West Bengal Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, eligible women are expected to receive ₹3,000 every month directly into their bank accounts, making it one of the state's major welfare initiatives focused on women and low-income households.