About Annapurna Yojana
The Annapurna Yojana, also known as the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, is a flagship program launched by the Government of West Bengal on June 1, 2026. This initiative aims to empower women in the state by providing them with financial assistance to lead a dignified life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide financial support to women in West Bengal, enabling them to become self-sufficient and independent. We strive to bridge the socio-economic gap by offering a monthly stipend of ₹3,000 to eligible beneficiaries, promoting their overall well-being and economic stability.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: We believe in inclusivity and strive to reach out to all eligible women in West Bengal, providing them with equal opportunities for growth and development.
- Empowerment: Our program aims to empower women, enabling them to make informed decisions about their lives and livelihoods.
- Transparency: We are committed to maintaining transparency in our operations, ensuring that our services are accessible and accountable to all.
History and Background
The Annapurna Yojana replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which was also a women-centric program. The new scheme has been designed to cater to the needs of women aged 25-60 years, who are permanent residents of West Bengal, not income taxpayers, and not in government employment. Existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme have been automatically migrated to the Annapurna Yojana, while new applicants can apply online or offline.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the Annapurna Yojana, applicants must:
- Be women aged 25-60 years
- Be permanent residents of West Bengal
- Not be income taxpayers
- Not be in government employment, including teaching/non-teaching roles in aided institutions
Applicants can apply online through the official portal socialsecurity.wb.gov.in or offline at block, municipal, or panchayat offices. Required documents include Aadhaar card, Voter ID, bank passbook, ration card, and passport-size photographs.
We are committed to supporting women in West Bengal through this initiative, and we look forward to empowering them to lead a better life.