The West Bengal government has launched the Annapurna Yojana, under which more than 28.25 lakh women received ₹3,000 each through direct benefit transfer (DBT) on the first day of implementation. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari formally inaugurated the scheme at Nabanna and announced that 28,25,769 verified beneficiaries had already been enrolled.
The Annapurna Yojana aims to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women across the state, strengthening their economic independence and social security. The government stated that the beneficiaries were verified through a dedicated online portal with support from district administrations, municipalities, block offices, and local representatives.
Speaking at the launch event, the Chief Minister said the government would continue accepting fresh applications and ensure that all eligible women are covered after verification. Officials indicated that the registration and verification process will continue over the next three months, with additional beneficiaries being added in phases.
According to government guidelines, women aged 25 to 60 years are eligible to apply for the scheme. The administration has also provided a 90-day registration window for new applicants. Approval letters were distributed at programmes held across blocks, municipalities, and areas under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
The Annapurna Yojana replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar programme and is one of the flagship welfare initiatives of the new state government. The scheme is expected to expand further as more applications are verified and approved.