West Bengal government to roll out Annapurna Bhandar, discontinue schemes based on religious categorisation
The West Bengal government has approved the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, which will provide ₹3,000 per month to women aged 25 to 60 starting June 1. The new scheme replaces the previous Lakshmir Bhandar and aims to double the cash incentives for women. Additionally, the government will discontinue religious-based monetary schemes and review the list of Other Backward Classes as per a court order.
- ▪The Annapurna Bhandar scheme will provide ₹3,000 per month to eligible women starting June 1.
- ▪Women enrolled in the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will also benefit from the new scheme.
- ▪The government will discontinue religious monetary schemes, affecting honorarium payments to religious leaders.
- ▪The Cabinet announced the establishment of a 7th pay Commission for State Government employees.
- ▪The list of Other Backward Classes will be reviewed following a Calcutta High Court order.
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The West Bengal Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday (May 18, 2026) approved the rollout of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, providing ₹3,000 per month to women aged 25 to 60 from June 1.“Those enrolled in the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will also receive benefits under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme. Electors whose names have been struck off the electoral rolls, but who have applied under the CAA or to Tribunals will be eligible for the scheme,” State’s Minister for Women and Child Development Agnimitra Paul said after the Cabinet meeting.Doubling the cash incentives to women from ₹1,500 under Lakshmir Bhandar during the previous Trinamool Congress government to ₹3,000 was one of the promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the campaign for 2026 Assembly…
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