Start date: 1 June 2026 (proposed)
Benefit amount: Rs 3,000 per month
Payment method: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account
Target group: Eligible women in West Bengal
Relation to old scheme: Replacement or upgrade of Lakshmir Bhandar
Lakshmir Bhandar amounts: Rs 1,500 (general), Rs 1,700 (SC/ST)
Current status as of 11 May 2026: Announced, but no official order or application process yet
Capital of West Bengal: Kolkata
SC/ST meaning: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
FAQ
Q1: Who is eligible for Annapurna Bhandar?
A: The government has not yet released official rules. More details will come after the official order.
Q2: Will Lakshmir Bhandar stop after Annapurna Bhandar starts?
A: It seems Annapurna Bhandar will replace Lakshmir Bhandar, but no official confirmation yet.
Q3: How can a woman apply for Annapurna Bhandar?
A: The application process has not started. Wait for government notification.
Q4: Is this scheme only for poor women?
A: Details are not out yet. The old scheme had some income limits. This new scheme may also have similar rules.
Q5: When will the first payment come?
A: If the scheme starts on 1 June 2026, the first payment may come in June or July 2026.
Q6: Is this topic important for exams?
A: Yes. State exams in West Bengal (WBCS, etc.) and banking exams ask about new welfare schemes and their amounts.
Month: Current Affairs - May 12, 2026
Category: WestBengalScheme