Annapurna Bhandar Vs Lakshmir Bhandar: Who Can Apply For New Rs. 3,000 Scheme? Check How To Apply Online

West Bengal's most anticipated women's welfare scheme is finally here. The Government of West Bengal has officially released the Annapurna Bhandar notification regarding Rs.3,000 monthly financial assistance, eligibility criteria, DBT payment process, beneficiary verification, and registration updates. If you are a woman living in West Bengal, here is everything you need to know before you apply.

What Is the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has announced the rollout of this flagship scheme, continuing and expanding the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme. Under the previous scheme, General category women received Rs. 1,500 monthly and SC/ST women received Rs. 1,700 monthly. Now, all eligible women will receive a flat Rs. 3,000 per month directly into their bank accounts.

The decision to launch this Annapurna Bhandar scheme was taken during the first cabinet meeting of the newly elected West Bengal government held on 11 May 2026, with the Chief Minister announcing the official rollout from 1 June through a notification issued on 19 May 2026.

Are You Eligible To Receive Rs. 3000? Check the Criteria

According to the Government of West Bengal notification, only women aged between 25 years to 60 years will be considered eligible for the scheme. The beneficiary must also be a resident of West Bengal and should fulfil all verification requirements during the approval process.
Who is NOT eligible

The women who are excluded from the scheme include, income taxpayers, permanent or retired government employees, and those receiving a regular salary or pension from the state or central government, panchayats, statutory bodies, local bodies, municipalities, or government-aided educational institutions.

Good news for existing beneficiaries

All 2.2 crore Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will be automatically migrated to the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme no fresh application is required. For the Rest Keep the following documents ready before you apply:

Applicants will need an Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, ration card, passport-size photograph, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and active bank account details while applying online.

A bank passbook (first page) or a cancelled cheque is required to confirm bank account details. The bank account must be Aadhaar-linked for Direct Benefit Transfer.

How to Apply Online For Annapurna Bhandar Step by Step

The application process begins from 1 June 2026. The official website for the socialsecurity.wb.gov.in is going to be active from 1 June 2026. Here are the steps to apply online:

Step 1: Register and log in to the official Annapurna Bhandar Scheme portal.
Step 2: Click on the 'New Application' or 'Apply Online' option.
Step 3: Enter your mobile number and the OTP received for verification.
Step 4: Fill out the application form with personal and family details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
Step 6: Submit the form and note down the application reference number.
Step 7: Wait for verification and approval from the relevant department.

How to Apply Offline

For offline applications, visit the nearest government camps, block offices, municipality offices, or other designated service centres in West Bengal. Collect and submit the completed form along with self-attested documents and receive an acknowledgement receipt. Wait for verification from the relevant department.

Important Things to Remember

• Women whose names have been deleted from the voter list under the SIR 2026 exercise will not be eligible; however, those who have filed an appeal at a tribunal are still eligible.
• Do not apply on unofficial or private websites. The only legitimate portal is the official West Bengal government portal.
• Applicants are advised to keep photocopies and original documents ready before the portal goes live.
• Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries do not need to apply again for the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme since migration is automatic.