West Bengal Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 Disbursement and New Women-Centric Benefits

What is the Annapurna Yojana and the 'Annapurna Diwas' Update?

The অন্নপূর্ণা যোজনা (Annapurna Yojana) has emerged as a central pillar of West Bengal's social welfare strategy, focusing on financial security for women. On September 17, 2026, the state government officially designated this date as 'Annapurna Diwas', coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. This day serves as a milestone for the disbursement of funds and the announcement of several long-term female-centric reforms.

During the celebrations, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that ₹3,000 per person was transferred to the accounts of approximately 1.58 crore women across the state on September 17, 2026 [2]. The government has reiterated that women earning less than ₹10,000 are eligible for inclusion under the scheme.

Beyond Cash Transfers: Asset Ownership and Education

The 'Annapurna Diwas' announcements signal a strategic shift from providing simple monthly allowances to ensuring long-term asset ownership and educational funding for women in West Bengal.

PM Awas Yojana Ownership Shift

In a significant policy change, the state government announced that for over 50 lakh new houses planned under the PM Awas Yojana, ownership will be registered exclusively in the names of the women in the family [2]. This move aims to provide marginalized women with permanent legal security and collateral.

Future Educational Grants (Effective 2027)

The government has outlined a roadmap for increasing support for girls' education, though these benefits are scheduled for 2027 rather than immediate implementation:

• Kanyaratna: Financial support for beneficiaries is set to double from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 in 2027 [2].
• Higher Education Grant: Starting January 2027, girls pursuing graduation will receive a total of ₹50,000 over three years (₹17,000 for each of the first two years and ₹16,000 for the third year) [2].

Impact on Marginalized Groups: The Sonagachi Experience

The implementation of the অন্নপূর্ণা যোজনা has reached high-risk marginalized groups, including sex workers in Kolkata's Sonagachi area. Reports indicate that women with valid documentation have successfully received funds in their bank accounts [1]. However, advocacy groups like 'Durbar' have requested special verification camps for those who were absent during the initial government verification process due to professional or personal reasons.

Summary of Recent Financial Adjustments

Beneficiary Group	Benefit/Increase	Effective Date/Status
Annapurna Yojana Women	₹3,000 (per person)	Disbursed Sept 17, 2026
ICDS & Asha Workers	₹5,000 salary increase	From August 2026
Pranimitra	₹2,000 salary increase	From August 2026
Pregnant Mothers (ICDS)	Food allowance ₹12 → ₹14	Current