Suvendu to launch Annapurna Yojana on June 3
National 02 Jun, 2026

Suvendu to launch Annapurna Yojana on June 3

Business To Business, Kolkata, 2nd June, 2026:  West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to formally launch the Annapurna Yojana on Wednesday, fulfilling one of the major welfare promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the Assembly election campaign.
Key features of the scheme
According to the official order issued by the state secretariat:

  • Eligible women beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 per month.
  • The scheme will be inaugurated on June 3 by the Chief Minister.
  • Annapurna Yojana will replace the previous government's Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
Comparison with Lakshmir Bhandar
The former All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government had implemented the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, under which beneficiaries received up to ₹1,500 per month.
The new Annapurna Yojana therefore represents:
  • A doubling of the maximum monthly assistance.
  • A significant expansion of direct cash support for women.
  • One of the flagship welfare initiatives of the new BJP-led government.
Political significance
The launch is politically important because welfare schemes targeted at women have been a central feature of West Bengal politics in recent years.
By replacing Lakshmir Bhandar with Annapurna Yojana and increasing the benefit amount, the BJP government is seeking to:
  • Demonstrate fulfillment of election commitments.
  • Strengthen financial support for women.
  • Build support among beneficiaries across the state.
Expected impact
If implemented statewide, the scheme could affect millions of women and become one of the largest direct-benefit programmes in West Bengal.
The government is expected to provide further details regarding:
  • Eligibility criteria,
  • Enrollment procedures,
  • Fund transfer mechanisms,
  • Coverage and beneficiary verification,
during or after the formal launch.
The inauguration marks one of the first major welfare initiatives of the state's new BJP government since assuming office.

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