September Tranche Disbursed
The West Bengal government has commenced the distribution of the September benefit under the Annapurna Yojana. The payments, amounting to Rs 3,000 per beneficiary, began on September 17. Many eligible women have already confirmed receipt of the funds by checking their savings account balances.
CM Confirms August Reach
On September 16, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed reporters to confirm the release of funds for the September cycle. He noted that approximately 41 lakh women received the Annapurna Yojana benefit in August 2026, highlighting the scheme's rapid uptake since its inception.
Scheme Details and Eligibility
The Annapurna Yojana was officially notified on May 19, 2026, and launched on June 1, 2026, by the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare. The scheme provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to eligible women residents of West Bengal.
Key eligibility criteria include: * Women aged between 25 and 60 years. * Permanent residents of West Bengal. * Monthly income below Rs 10,000. * Annual family income limit of Rs 12 lakh.
Additionally, the scheme includes specific provisions for beneficiaries receiving less than Rs 3,000 under other government allowances, eligible disability allowance recipients, and PM-KISAN beneficiaries, subject to certain conditions. The government has also relaxed certain landholding rules for applicants.
Migration from Lakshmir Bhandar
Beneficiaries of the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, which provided monthly assistance of Rs 1,700 to SC and ST women and Rs 1,500 to women from other categories, are in the process of being migrated to the Annapurna Yojana. This transition is contingent upon the completion of the prescribed verification process.
Application Status and Rejections
Since its launch, over 1.70 crore applications have been filed for the Annapurna Yojana. However, the state government recently announced that 17 lakh applications were rejected during the verification phase. Applicants whose applications were rejected can file fresh applications starting from August 20, 2026.
Applications can be submitted offline at the nearest government branch office or online through the official portal. Applicants must provide accurate details regarding personal information, identity documents, assets, income, profession, and any other government benefits received.