Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026

What You'll Learn

• Step-by-step online application at socialregistry.wb.gov.in with 7 simple steps
• Eligibility criteria and required documents including Swasthya Sathi Card
• NPCI DBT link guide with 10-step Aadhaar-bank seeding for ₹3,000 monthly payment
• Status check and troubleshooting for Approved, Rejected, and Pending applications

Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026 — Complete Guide

The Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026 is a major women welfare scheme launched by the West Bengal government on June 3, 2026. Under this scheme, eligible women receive ₹3,000 every month directly into their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer. The scheme replaces the earlier Lakshmi Bhandar scheme and targets approximately 2 crore women across West Bengal.

CM Suvendu Adhikari officially launched the scheme on June 3 and in the first phase, payments were sent to 28 lakh plus beneficiaries. The application form was released on May 27, 2026 and there is a 90-day application window from June 1 to August 29, 2026. The official portal is socialregistry.wb.gov.in.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know including eligibility criteria, required documents, the 7-step online application process, form PDF download, application status check, payment verification, NPCI DBT linking, bank account updates, and portal comparison. Every section references verified facts and official sources.

What is Annapurna Bhandar Yojana?

The Annapurna Bhandar Yojana is West Bengal's flagship women welfare scheme, formerly known as the Matri Shakti Bharosa Scheme. The official name in Bengali is অন্নপূর্ণা ভান্ডার and it operates under the Women and Child Welfare Department led by Minister Agnimitra Paul.

The scheme was launched on June 3, 2026 when CM Suvendu Adhikari directly transferred payments to the first batch of beneficiaries. Under this scheme, eligible women receive ₹3,000 monthly through Direct Benefit Transfer into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. Unlike the previous Lakshmi Bhandar where SC/ST received ₹1,000 to 1,500 and General category received ₹500 to 1,000, Annapurna Bhandar provides a flat ₹3,000 to all eligible women.

The Lakshmi Bhandar scheme was launched in August 2021 and by March 2026 had 2.40 crore beneficiaries. However, 30 lakh fake accounts were discovered, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team on June 1, 2026. Annapurna Bhandar addresses these issues with stricter eligibility verification, mandatory Swasthya Sathi Card, and real-time DBT tracking.

Annapurna Bhandar vs Lakshmi Bhandar — Key Differences

The new Annapurna Bhandar scheme brings significant changes compared to the previous Lakshmi Bhandar. The most important change is the uniform ₹3,000 monthly payment which was previously category-wise. Below is a detailed comparison:

Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?

To apply for the Annapurna Bhandar Yojana, every applicant must meet the following conditions. Even if you are already enrolled in Lakshmi Bhandar, you must re-verify eligibility since 30 lakh fake accounts were discovered and verification has become strict.

Mandatory Eligibility Conditions

• Gender: Only female applicants (female head of household)
• Age: Between 25 and 60 years (Lakshmi Bhandar had 24 to 60, AB has 25 to 60)
• Residency: Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal with voter ID or residence proof
• Swasthya Sathi Card: MANDATORY — without this card you cannot apply. This is West Bengal's health insurance card under the CM's Smart Card scheme
• Bank Account: Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account verified through NPCI BASE
• Non-Government: No government employee or pensioner can apply
• Non-Taxpayer: Women who pay income tax are not eligible

Disqualification Criteria

• Being employed in any central or state government
• Being an income taxpayer (verified through Form 16 or ITR)
• Owning a 4-wheel car (2-wheelers are allowed)
• Being an existing beneficiary of any government scheme (verified during Lakshmi Bhandar migration)
• Land ownership — specific conditions apply in some blocks where limited landholding is allowed

Documents Required — What You Need

For both online and offline applications, you need to prepare the following documents. First get your Swasthya Sathi Card made — it is mandatory. Arrange all other documents before applying:

Pro Tip: The form is 11 to 12 pages with 8 sections (A to H). Each section requires different documents. Download and fill the form beforehand to save time during application.

How to Apply Online — 7 Simple Steps

The online application process can sometimes be slow due to portal crashes (the server went down on launch day). The best time to apply is early morning or late night. Here are the 7 steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to socialregistry.wb.gov.in. Warning: Only .gov.in domains are legitimate. Fake websites are circulating widely — The Telegraph has reported that fake Annapurna Bhandar links are being shared. Note that the old portal socialsecurity.wb.gov.in automatically redirects to the new portal.

Step 2: Select Your District

On the portal, you will find a "Select District" option. Choose your West Bengal district — such as North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan, Murshidabad, or Malda. After selecting the district, you will see the block or municipality option.

Step 3: OTP Login

Enter your mobile number and click "Send OTP". You will receive a 6-digit OTP on your phone. Enter the OTP and click "Verify". If the OTP does not arrive, wait 30 seconds and click "Resend OTP". Important: The portal also has a "Forgot Password" option if you have registered previously.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form (8 Sections A to H)

The form is 11 to 12 pages with 8 sections:

• Section A: Personal Details — name, father's or husband's name, date of birth, age
• Section B: Address — permanent address, district, block, GP or municipality
• Section C: Identity — Aadhaar number, Voter ID, Swasthya Sathi Card number
• Section D: Bank Details — account number, IFSC, branch name, NPCI link status
• Section E: Family Details — family members, dependents, income details
• Section F: Land and Property — land ownership details if any
• Section G: Occupation and Income — monthly income, occupation type
• Section H: Declaration — applicant signature, date, place

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload a scanned copy or photo of each document. Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, PDF. Maximum file size is usually 500KB to 1MB per document. Upload your Aadhaar Card, Swasthya Sathi Card, Bank Passbook, and Photo.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Carefully review all details. If incorrect details are submitted by mistake, it is difficult to change later. Click Submit — you will receive a "Temporary Application ID". Save this ID as it will be needed for status checks.

Step 7: Receive ₹3,000 via DBT

After submission, your application goes into the verification process. If approved, ₹3,000 will be directly credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT. The first payment was sent on June 3, 2026 to over 28 lakh beneficiaries. Future payments are expected every month.

Form PDF Download — Where to Get the Form

The Annapurna Bhandar application form is available in 3 languages — Bengali, English, and Hindi. The form was released on May 27, 2026 and is 11 to 12 pages with 8 sections (A to H).

Form Download Sources

• Official Portal: Available in the "Download Form" section at socialregistry.wb.gov.in
• District Magistrate Office: Get a physical copy from your district DM office
• BDO Office: The form is also available at Block Development Officer offices
• Janakalyan Shibir Camps: Forms will be distributed free at camps on June 15 to 17

Warning: Before filling the form, get all your documents ready. Each section requires different documents — Aadhaar, Swasthya Sathi, Bank Passbook, Photo, Residence Proof. It is best to download and pre-fill the form — while you can also apply directly on the portal, having a downloaded form makes the process easier.

Offline Application and Janakalyan Shibir Camps

If you do not have internet access or find it difficult to apply on the portal, there is an offline application option as well. The West Bengal government has organized Janakalyan Shibir camps where you can apply directly.

Janakalyan Shibir Camp Details

• Dates: June 15, 16, and 17, 2026 (3-day camps)
• Venue: Local camps organized in every block and municipality
• Documents to bring: Aadhaar Card, Swasthya Sathi Card, Bank Passbook, Passport Photo, Residence Proof
• Help: Volunteers at the camp will assist you in filling the form
• Status Check: Your application status can be checked at the camp itself

BDO Office Process

To apply offline, visit the Block Development Officer (BDO) office. There:

1. Take the application form (Bengali, English, or Hindi)
2. Fill all sections carefully
3. Submit with the required documents
4. Collect the receipt — it will contain your Application ID
5. Verification takes 15 to 20 working days

Important: Offline applications follow the same eligibility criteria. The Swasthya Sathi Card is mandatory — you must show it even for offline applications. If you do not have the card, get it made first.

Check Application Status — How to Track

After applying, your application goes through the verification process. Follow these steps to check your status:

Online Status Check Process

1. Visit the portal: socialregistry.wb.gov.in
2. Click on "Check Status" or "Application Status"
3. Enter your Application ID or Temporary Application ID
4. Enter your registered mobile number
5. Click "Submit" — the status will be displayed

Possible Application Statuses

Check Payment Status — Has Payment Arrived?

After approval, you can check the payment status through multiple methods. Payment is sent directly via DBT to the bank account — there is no manual collection.

Payment Check Methods

• Bank Passbook: Check your bank passbook for a "DBT" or "Annapurna" reference
• Net Banking: Log in to your bank's net banking and check transaction history
• Mobile Banking App: The bank app sends a notification when payment is credited
• Portal: Check the "Payment Status" section at socialregistry.wb.gov.in

Note: If payment does not arrive 7 to 10 days after approval, check your Aadhaar-bank seeding status on the NPCI BASE portal. If seeding is not done, the payment may be stuck.

NPCI DBT Link Guide — How to Link Aadhaar with Bank

The ₹3,000 monthly payment from Annapurna Bhandar will only be credited when your Aadhaar-bank account linking (DBT seeding) is correctly done through NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India). If your seeding is not complete, the payment will be stuck.

For detailed information about NPCI BASE, read our NPCI BASE 2026 Complete Guide.

Step-by-Step: NPCI BASE Seeding Process

1. Step 1: Visit the NPCI Official Website at npci.org.in
2. Step 2: Click on "NPCI BASE" or "Aadhaar Seeding" section
3. Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number (last 4 digits will be displayed)
4. Step 4: Click "Generate OTP" — OTP will be sent to registered mobile
5. Step 5: Enter OTP and click "Verify"
6. Step 6: View your existing bank account details — see which bank is linked
7. Step 7: If "YES" is shown, seeding is already done — no action needed
8. Step 8: If "NO" or no bank is shown, click "Request for Seeding"
9. Step 9: Select your bank (SBI, PNB, BOB, Canara, etc.) and enter account number
10. Step 10: Click "Submit" — seeding will be completed in 24 to 48 hours

Update or Change Bank Account — How to Switch

If you have opened a new bank account or your old account has been closed, it is important to update the bank account for Annapurna Bhandar. Otherwise, the payment may go to the wrong account or get stuck.

Bank Account Update Methods

Method 1: NPCI BASE Portal (Online)

1. Visit the NPCI BASE portal at npci.org.in
2. Login with Aadhaar number
3. Use the "De-Seeding" option to remove old bank linking
4. Then use "Fresh Seeding" to link new bank account
5. Wait 24 to 48 hours — linking will be completed

Method 2: Bank Branch Visit

1. Visit your new bank branch
2. Fill the "DBT Seeding Form"
3. Submit Aadhaar card and passbook copy
4. The branch officer will process it — takes 2 to 3 working days

Method 3: Janakalyan Shibir Camp

Bank account updates can also be done at the June 15 to 17 camps. Officials at the camp will update through NPCI BASE.

Common Issue — B06 and OD Flag Fix: Sometimes the NPCI BASE portal shows a "B06" error or "OD Flag" issue. This means your bank account is technically linked but DBT is not active. For this, visit the bank branch and submit a "DBT activation request" — it will be resolved in 2 to 3 days.

Troubleshooting — Common Problems and Solutions

Many people face problems while applying for Annapurna Bhandar. Below are the most common issues and their solutions:

Lakshmi Bhandar to Annapurna Bhandar Migration

Women who were previously beneficiaries of Lakshmi Bhandar need to migrate to Annapurna Bhandar. This process is not automatic — you must reapply with updated documents.

Migration Process

1. Get Swasthya Sathi Card made — if you already have one, skip this step. This is mandatory for AB but was not required for LB
2. Verify NPCI BASE seeding — check if your bank account is Aadhaar-linked
3. Register on socialregistry.wb.gov.in — the old portal is redirecting to the new one
4. Fill the new form with all details — mention your old LB Application ID
5. Submit — after verification, Annapurna Bhandar will be activated

SIT Investigation — What Happened?

30 lakh fake accounts were discovered in Lakshmi Bhandar. Following this, the West Bengal government formed a Special Investigation Team on June 1, 2026. The SIT's responsibilities include:

• Verifying the identity of fake beneficiaries
• Recovering money obtained fraudulently
• Closing loopholes in the system
• Ensuring strict verification in the future

The reason Swasthya Sathi Card is mandatory in Annapurna Bhandar is significant — health cards are only held by genuine West Bengal residents. This addresses the fake account problem to a large extent.

Portal Comparison — Old vs New Portal

A new portal has been launched for Annapurna Bhandar. The old portal now redirects to the new one. Here is a comparison of both portals:

Remember: Only socialregistry.wb.gov.in is official. Fake websites like annapurnabhandar.org.in and annapurna.tajainfo.in are unofficial. Trust only .gov.in domains.

Related West Bengal Government Schemes 2026

Besides Annapurna Bhandar, West Bengal has several important schemes that benefit women and families:

• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: Free health insurance up to ₹5 lakh — being integrated in WB through the Swasthya Sathi Card. Read More
• Swasthya Sathi Card: West Bengal's universal health insurance card — mandatory for Annapurna Bhandar. Every family needs this. Read More
• Lakshmi Bhandar (Legacy): Launched August 2021, now migrating to Annapurna Bhandar. Read More
• NPCI BASE DBT Link: Essential for every DBT scheme — do Aadhaar-bank seeding to receive payments. Read More

Conclusion

The Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026 is West Bengal's largest women welfare scheme providing ₹3,000 monthly via DBT to every eligible woman. It replaces Lakshmi Bhandar and targets 2 crore women. The application process is simple — 7 steps for online application. The official portal is socialregistry.wb.gov.in.

The most important things to remember — Swasthya Sathi Card is mandatory, NPCI BASE Aadhaar-bank seeding is required, and only .gov.in domains are trustworthy. If you are eligible, apply quickly — there is a 90-day window and Janakalyan Shibir camps are on June 15 to 17. You can check your application status and payment status on the portal.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always visit socialregistry.wb.gov.in for the latest official updates. Scheme terms and conditions may change over time.