Suvendu Adhikari has announced the launch of the “Annapurna Bhandaar” scheme in West Bengal during the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BJP government. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹3,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with implementation expected from June 1, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen women’s financial independence, especially for low and middle-income households. The new scheme is expected to replace the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme introduced by the previous government, which provided ₹1,500 for general category women and ₹1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries. Annapurna Bhandaar offers a uniform ₹3,000 benefit, significantly increasing financial assistance for women across the state. The cabinet also approved free travel for women in state-run buses and announced the rollout of several central welfare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Additional decisions included implementation of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, expansion of Ujjwala Yojana 3.0, and transfer of land to the BSF for border fencing along Bangladesh.
Respectable West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the Annapurna Bhandaar scheme across the state. This scheme promises the ₹3,000 per month for the eligible women. This decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Alongside with this scheme Cabinet also announced the free bus travel for women and also the implementation of central schemes in the state.
The Annapurna Bhandaar scheme is the proposed financial assistance program which is aimed to empowering women and specially from low and middle-income households.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Annapurna Bhandaar scheme is set to replace the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme which was introduced by Mamata Banerjee government.
Key Differences
Previous scheme offered the
New scheme offers
This showcases the significant increase in the financial support.
During the first cabinet meeting the several key policy decisions were also taken.
1. Free Bus Travel for Women
In the West Bengal women will be allowed free travel in the state run buses from next month.
2. Implementation of Central Schemes
The government also plans to roll out major schemes of the central government,
3. Social Welfare Initiatives
4. Border and Security Measures
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