West Bengal Announces Annapurna Bhandaar Scheme, ₹3,000 Monthly Aid for Women

The West Bengal government on 11 May 2026 announced a new welfare scheme called Annapurna Bhandaar, which will give eligible women direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 every month. The money will be sent straight to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer.

The scheme replaces an earlier women's assistance programme, the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which gave a smaller monthly amount to women from the general and SC/ST categories. By raising the support amount, the state aims to strengthen the income security of women across these groups.

Along with the cash benefit, the government also announced free travel for women on state-run buses. Officials said the scheme reflects the state's focus on women's welfare, social security and economic empowerment, and that it brings together several central government welfare measures within the state.

For exam aspirants, this is an example of a state-level Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) welfare scheme aimed at women. Such schemes are commonly tested in general awareness sections, especially the name of the scheme, the launching state, and the monthly benefit amount.