Big change for women in West Bengal who depend on the state’s monthly cash support: Lakshmir Bhandar has been replaced by a new scheme called Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026. The payout jumps to a flat ₹3,000 a month, credited straight to your bank account via DBT. Under the old scheme, general category women got ₹500 and SC/ST women got ₹1,000 to ₹1,200, so this is a real jump for most beneficiaries. The scheme went live on 3 June 2026, and fresh applications are being taken from 27 May to 25 August 2026. Last updated: 09.07.2026.
Scheme details and amount
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | Annapurna Bhandar Yojana (Annapurna Yojana) |
| Replaces | Lakshmir Bhandar scheme |
| Monthly amount | ₹3,000 flat, same for all eligible categories |
| Launch date | 3 June 2026 |
| Application window | 27 May 2026 – 25 August 2026 |
| Transfer mode | DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| Expected beneficiaries | Around 2 crore women, with over 28 lakh covered in the first phase |
The category-wise difference that existed under Lakshmir Bhandar is gone now. Whether you were getting ₹500 or ₹1,200 earlier, you get the same ₹3,000 going forward, regardless of category.
Who is eligible
- Woman applicant aged between 25 and 60 years.
- Name must appear on the West Bengal voter list.
- Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Must hold a personal bank account linked with Aadhaar.
Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries – what to do
Already getting Lakshmir Bhandar and you meet the criteria above? You don’t need to apply again. The roughly 2 crore existing beneficiaries are being shifted to Annapurna Bhandar automatically, and the higher ₹3,000 amount should start showing up from the launch cycle. If it hasn’t updated after a cycle or two, check your payment status on the Social Security WB portal or visit your nearest Duare Sarkar camp.
How to apply online
- Go to the Social Registry West Bengal portal, the official site for Annapurna Bhandar applications.
- Register with your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
- Fill in your details – name, age, address, ration card and bank account information.
- Upload the required documents (Aadhaar, bank passbook, residence proof, age proof).
- Submit the form and save the application or acknowledgement number. You’ll need it later.
Offline works too. Forms have been available since 27 May 2026 and can be submitted at Duare Sarkar camps or other designated centres, where facilitators on site can help you fill them out.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook (account linked with Aadhaar)
- Proof of residence in West Bengal
- Age proof
- Voter ID card
- Recent passport-size photograph
Important links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Social Registry WB – Apply Online | New Annapurna Bhandar applications |
| Social Security WB – Status Check | Existing beneficiary migration and payment status |
Annapurna Bhandar joins a growing list of state-run monthly support schemes for women. Karnataka runs the Gruha Lakshmi scheme at ₹2,000 a month, and Jharkhand’s Maiya Samman Yojana pays ₹2,500 a month. At ₹3,000, West Bengal’s new scheme now pays the highest flat monthly amount among these.
If you’re a woman aged 25 to 60 in West Bengal with your name on the voter list, this is worth acting on. Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026 takes over from Lakshmir Bhandar and raises your monthly support to ₹3,000 flat. New applicants have until 25 August 2026, and if you were already on Lakshmir Bhandar, the move to the new scheme should happen automatically on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Is Annapurna Bhandar a new scheme or just a rename of Lakshmir Bhandar?
It is a replacement scheme. Lakshmir Bhandar has been discontinued, and Annapurna Bhandar takes over with a higher, flat monthly amount of ₹3,000 for all eligible women.
Do I need to submit a fresh application if I already get Lakshmir Bhandar?
No. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries who meet the Annapurna Bhandar eligibility criteria are being migrated automatically. New applicants who were not part of Lakshmir Bhandar need to apply between 27 May and 25 August 2026.
When will the ₹3,000 amount start coming into my account?
The scheme went live on 3 June 2026, so existing beneficiaries should see the revised amount from the payment cycle following the launch. If it doesn’t reflect after a cycle or two, check your status on the Social Security WB portal or visit a Duare Sarkar camp.
Important Links for Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026 – ₹3,000 Monthly DBT
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