Kolkata: The West Bengal government has announced the launch of a new welfare initiative called the Annapurna Scheme, under which eligible women beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 per month as financial assistance. The scheme is set to be formally launched on June 3 through a state-level event.
The programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, with selected beneficiaries across the state receiving approval letters during the launch ceremony.
Key Features of the Annapurna Scheme
The Annapurna Scheme has been introduced as a major women-centric financial support programme in the state. According to official details, the initiative aims to provide monthly monetary assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women.
The scheme was part of the election manifesto of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is positioned as a replacement for the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, which provided up to ₹1,500 per month to women beneficiaries.
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Statewide Launch with Virtual Participation
As per the order issued by the state secretariat, the launch event will be held on June 3 and connected across all districts through video conferencing.
Key arrangements include:
- Participation of beneficiaries at block and municipal levels
- Live virtual connection from all districts, blocks, and urban bodies
- Involvement of local MLAs in the programme
The Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department has directed district administrations to ensure smooth arrangements for the event.
Beneficiary Selection and Approval Process
The scheme’s implementation will follow a structured selection process. Beneficiaries will be identified by Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs).
Final approval will be granted by:
- District Magistrates, or
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner (for urban areas)
During the launch event:
- Each block, municipality, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation area will distribute approval letters to 100 selected beneficiaries
Focus on Direct Benefit Delivery
The government aims to ensure transparent and direct delivery of benefits under the Annapurna Scheme. The initiative is expected to provide stronger financial support to women across both rural and urban regions of West Bengal.
Officials have emphasized that the programme will be implemented in a coordinated manner across administrative levels to ensure timely disbursement of benefits.
About the Annapurna Scheme
The Annapurna Scheme is a West Bengal government welfare programme providing ₹3,000 monthly financial assistance to eligible women. It replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme and will be implemented statewide through a structured selection and approval system involving district and block-level administration.
