Bengal Launches Annapurna Scheme: Rs 3,000 Monthly Cash, Free Bus Travel For Women From June 1 | How To Apply

The West Bengal cabinet on Monday approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly assistance to women from June 1 and allowed free travel for them in government-run buses.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, state minister Agnimitra Paul said women who applied for citizenship under the CAA and approached tribunals for inclusion in voter rolls will also receive 'Annapurna' scheme benefits.

How To Apply For Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?

The online and offline application processes for the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme have not yet begun. The BJP government has not yet announced any official website for the scheme.

Based on similar welfare schemes, the expected online and offline application processes are outlined below.

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Online Application Process

Visit the official portal (yet to be announced).

Click on the ‘New Application’ or ‘Apply Online’ option.

Enter the mobile number and the OTP you received for verification.

Fill out the application form with personal and family details.

Upload the required documents.

Submit the form and note down the application reference number.

Wait for verification and approval from the relevant department.

Offline Application Process

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.

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Receive the acknowledgement receipt and wait for verification from the relevant department.

Once the scheme is officially launched, the application form may be available on the scheme’s official portal. You can even visit your local block or municipal office to collect a physical copy of the application form.

The Annapurna Bhandar application form is expected to collect basic household information.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal has announced the rollout of the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme from 1 June 2026. The decision to launch this scheme from 1 June 2026 was taken during the first cabinet meeting of the newly elected WB government held on 11 May 2026. 

What Are The Eligibility Criteria?

One must be a woman.

She should be a permanent resident of West Bengal.

The woman should belong to a low-income household or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) family.

Applicant's income must be within the specified annual income limit.

She must be above the age of 25 years.

She must be a ration card holder (BPL/AAY/PHH).

One is not eligible if she is a permanent or retired government employee. If she does not fall within the specified annual income limit. If she is a non-resident of West Bengal.