Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
"West Bengal's revamped women's cash-transfer scheme that began crediting Rs 3,000 per month from June 3, 2026, replacing the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme."
Annapurna Bhandar is a state Direct Benefit Transfer scheme of the Government of West Bengal that pays a flat Rs 3,000 per month (Rs 36,000 per year) to eligible women aged 25 to 60, regardless of social category, into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. It was cleared by the state cabinet on May 11, 2026, applications opened on May 27, 2026, and the first instalment was credited on June 3, 2026. It is an upgraded replacement for the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Around 2 crore women are projected as eventual beneficiaries, with the first tranche reaching more than 28 lakh accounts. It is a high-profile example of the cash-transfer-to-women model now seen across many Indian states.
GS2 (welfare schemes for vulnerable sections) and GS3 (DBT, inclusive growth). Prelims: Rs 3,000 per month, first instalment June 3, 2026, replaces Lakshmir Bhandar. Mains: the debate on direct cash transfers to women versus fiscal sustainability.
- 1 State scheme of the Government of West Bengal
- 2 Cabinet approval on May 11, 2026
- 3 Applications opened May 27, 2026 (window to August 25, 2026)
- 4 First DBT instalment credited June 3, 2026
- 5 Benefit: Rs 3,000 per month (Rs 36,000 per year)
- 6 Eligibility: women aged 25 to 60, resident of West Bengal
- 7 Mode: DBT to Aadhaar-linked accounts
- 8 First tranche: 28+ lakh beneficiaries; target about 2 crore women
- 9 Replaces the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme
In June 2026, the first Annapurna Bhandar instalment was credited ahead of the state assembly election cycle, intensifying the national debate on women-centric cash transfer schemes.
