Kolkata: The West Bengal government has formally launched the Annapurna Yojana, a new social welfare scheme aimed at providing direct financial assistance to women across the state. Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 every month.
The scheme was officially launched at Nabanna, the state secretariat, in the presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and senior government officials. During the inaugural event, approval letters were symbolically handed over to selected beneficiaries, marking the beginning of the state’s latest women-focused welfare initiative.
According to the government, more than 28 lakh women have been verified and enrolled in the first phase of the scheme, and beneficiaries will begin receiving ₹3,000 directly into their bank accounts from today. During the launch ceremony, five women were symbolically presented with approval letters under the scheme. The state government has provided a 90-day window for eligible applicants to complete their registration. Women aged between 25 and 60 years will qualify to receive benefits under the Annapurna Yojana.
The Annapurna Yojana has been introduced with the objective of strengthening the financial security of women and supporting economically vulnerable households. Officials said the assistance amount is intended to help beneficiaries meet essential household expenses and improve their socio-economic well-being.
The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare. Financial assistance will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts every month, ensuring transparency and reducing dependence on intermediaries.
The launch of Annapurna Yojana marks a significant addition to West Bengal’s welfare framework and is expected to benefit lakhs of women across both urban and rural areas in the coming months.
