Instead of spending the funds received through the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, she saved the money regularly and used those savings to purchase a sewing machine. Today, this sewing machine is not merely a household appliance for her; it has become a means to stand on her own feet and make earning a livelihood easier.
From Assistance to a Means of Self-Reliance
The regular financial assistance provided to women under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme aims to empower them economically. Rashi, from West Bengal, utilized this aid according to her needs and turned it into a stepping stone toward self-reliance. Acquiring the sewing machine gave her the opportunity to work from home and develop a source of income. Like Rashi, many women are using the funds received from the scheme to meet family needs, such as children’s education, healthcare, nutrition, and other essentials. Meanwhile, some women are creating income opportunities for themselves by investing the money in savings or small-scale livelihood ventures. This is also strengthening women’s self-confidence and their participation in the family’s financial decision-making.
Consistency of Three Installments Builds Trust
Eligible women across the state are receiving regular financial assistance under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme. As the third installment of the scheme, a sum of ₹2,630.55 crore was transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the accounts of over two crore mothers and sisters in the state.
View a brief overview of Annapurna Bhandar.
| scheme | Annapurna Bhandar Yojana |
| Department | Woman & Child development West Bengal |
| Start Date | 01 June 2026 |
| End Date | Aug 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | Woman |
| Monthly Payout | 3000/- |
| Annual Payout | 36000/- |
| Payment Type | DBT to Aadhaar linked Bank Account |
| Apply Mode | Online & Offline |
| Apply Fees | No fees |
| Where is the scheme from? | West Bengal |
| Annapurna yojana portal | https://socialregistry.wb.gov.in/ |
What are the eligibility criteria for Annapurna Bhandar?
- Must be a woman from West Bengal.
- Must be over 25 years of age.
- Must be under 60 years of age.
- Must be a woman.
- Women holding temporary government positions such as Anganwadi workers and helpers are eligible.
- The applicant must be at least 25 years old as of January 1st of the calendar year in which the application is submitted.
- Widows, divorcees, and abandoned women are also eligible for the scheme.
- She is aged between 25 to 60 years.
- She is not in any permanent government employment getting regular salary/ pension under the union or this state government, any statutory body, government undertaking, panchayat, municipal body, local body; teaching or non-teaching employment under this state government’s aided educational institution, etc.
- She is not paying any Income Tax.
Who is not eligible for the Annapurna Bhandar?
- Those whose family has a member who pays income tax.
- Those whose family has a member serving as a Class I, Class II, or Class III officer or employee (whether permanent, temporary, or on contract) in any government department, undertaking, board, or local body of the Central or State government.
- Those whose family has a member who is a current or former Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).
- Those whose family has a member who is a current or former Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of any board, corporation, or commission under the Central or State government.
- Women from other states.
What are the provisions of the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme that will greatly benefit the people?
- The scheme will be named the “Annapurna Bhandar Sahayata Yojana.”
- Under this scheme, a monthly amount of ₹3,000 will be provided.
- The provisions of the scheme will come into effect from the date the notification is issued.
- Only women will avail the benefits of this scheme.
Documents required for the Annapurna Bhandar application:
- Aadhaar Card (of the female applicant and her husband)
- Voter ID Card (of the female applicant)
- Ration Card
- Income Certificate (of the female applicant)
- Domicile/Residence Certificate (of the female applicant)
- Bank Passbook (first page)
- Passport-size photograph
- PAN Card (of the female applicant and her husband)
- Mobile number (for registration and OTP verification)
Documents not required for the Annapurna Bhandar application:
- Health Insurance (If Swasthya Sathi is available, then Government should be marked and 17 digit URN of Swasthya Sathi should be given)
- PAN Card of family members (If available)
- Others (like KCC, KCC ARD, Artisan Credit Card, MJCC, Student CC, etc.) (Provide details of issuing authority)
- If Deleted in SIR 2026, whether case pending in Tribunal
- Benefits under government schemes (Specify name of scheme, if Yes)