The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal on Monday announced that the much-discussed “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme will officially begin from June 1, with eligible women set to receive ₹3,000 directly into their bank accounts every month. Alongside the cash support programme, the government also confirmed that women will be allowed to travel free of cost on state-run buses from the same date. The announcement marks one of the BJP’s biggest poll promises being rolled out immediately after taking power in Bengal.
The decision was announced after the first cabinet meeting of the Suvendu Adhikari government at Nabanna. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly promised enhanced financial support for women under the proposed Annapurna Bhandar scheme, positioning it as a stronger alternative to the previous government’s Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
Under the new scheme, women beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The government clarified that women who were already receiving benefits under Lakshmir Bhandar are expected to be included in the new programme as well.
Annapurna Bhandar to Launch on June 1: Who Will Get ₹3,000? Agnimitra Clarifies
However, BJP leader and minister Agnimitra Paul said the beneficiary database would first undergo a detailed verification process before funds begin reaching accounts.
“Everyone who was receiving Lakshmir Bhandar will receive Annapurna Bhandar benefits. But before June 1, we want proper verification. If someone is deceased, illegally staying in the country, or otherwise ineligible, they should not continue receiving benefits,” Agnimitra said.
According to the government, the verification exercise aims to identify fake beneficiaries, duplicate entries and individuals who no longer qualify under the scheme. Officials also indicated that the administration wants to ensure that deserving beneficiaries who were previously left out are included.
The BJP had made women-centric welfare a major part of its campaign strategy in Bengal, promising both increased financial assistance and free public transport for women. Monday’s announcement confirmed that women will be able to travel free on government buses from June 1 onward.
The free bus travel initiative mirrors a similar model first introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, which continues to remain in place even after the BJP came to power there.
Political observers believe the rapid rollout of Annapurna Bhandar reflects the BJP government’s attempt to consolidate women voters by retaining the welfare structure built under the previous regime while significantly increasing the benefit amount.
Questions still remain over whether existing beneficiaries will need to submit fresh applications. BJP MLA Sanjay Singh said the government has not yet clarified that aspect, but stressed that verification will be mandatory to prevent misuse.
“There are many cases where undeserving people received benefits while genuine beneficiaries were excluded. Verification is necessary so that only eligible women receive support,” he said.
The launch of Annapurna Bhandar is expected to become one of the defining welfare initiatives of Bengal’s new BJP government in the months ahead.
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