West Bengal BJP Launches Annapurna Yojana, ₹3,000 Monthly Aid Credited to 28 Lakh Women Beneficiaries

West Bengal's newly formed BJP government on Wednesday launched the much-anticipated Annapurna Yojana, transferring ₹3,000 directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of more than 28.25 lakh eligible women across the state.

The welfare initiative targets women aged between 25 and 60 years from economically weaker families and is designed to provide direct financial support through a transparent and digitally verified system. Government employees and income tax payers are excluded from the scheme.

According to state authorities, the Annapurna Yojana replaces the previous Lakshmi Bhandar scheme and is expected to eventually cover nearly two crore women across West Bengal. Beneficiaries were identified through an extensive verification process to ensure that assistance reaches the intended households.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the scheme as a major step toward empowering women and ensuring financial dignity for mothers, sisters, and daughters across the state.

The government has also announced a 90-day application window, allowing eligible women to apply through both online and offline channels. Existing beneficiaries of Lakshmi Bhandar will continue receiving payments until the transition process is completed.

The launch of Annapurna Yojana marks one of the flagship welfare initiatives of the BJP government in West Bengal and is expected to play a significant role in strengthening financial inclusion and women's empowerment in the state.