The West Bengal government on Monday allocated Rs 36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana in its maiden state budget under the BJP government, marking a significant restructuring of the state’s flagship direct-benefit welfare programme for women.
Budget documents presented in the Assembly indicated that the scheme is expected to cover around one crore women beneficiaries, a substantial reduction from the nearly 2.4 crore beneficiaries covered under the previous Trinamool Congress government’s Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
Major welfare allocation in first BJP budget
The allocation for Annapurna Yojana emerged as one of the largest welfare commitments in the state’s 2026-27 budget. The scheme has been positioned as the successor to Lakshmir Bhandar, which was launched by the previous administration as a direct financial assistance programme for women. The BJP government has restructured the initiative under the Annapurna Yojana framework as part of its broader welfare strategy.
Officials said the scheme aims to continue providing financial support to eligible women while introducing revised beneficiary criteria and administrative mechanisms.
Beneficiary numbers reduced
According to budget estimates, the number of women expected to receive benefits under Annapurna Yojana stands at approximately one crore. The projected coverage is considerably lower than the estimated 2.4 crore beneficiaries enrolled under Lakshmir Bhandar during the previous government.
The reduction in coverage is likely to draw political attention, with welfare eligibility and beneficiary identification expected to remain key issues in the implementation of the revised programme.
Focus on fiscal management
Government sources indicated that the redesign of the scheme is intended to improve targeting of welfare benefits and ensure resources are directed toward eligible recipients.
The Rs 36,000 crore allocation underscores the government’s intention to retain women-centric welfare programmes while seeking to manage expenditure within the broader budget framework.
Annapurna Yojana is expected to remain one of the state’s most significant social welfare initiatives during the current financial year.
Budget signals policy shift
The announcement reflects a notable policy shift in West Bengal’s welfare architecture following the change in government.
While the financial commitment remains substantial, the reduction in the projected beneficiary base suggests a more selective approach to welfare distribution under the new administration.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria, enrollment procedures and implementation timelines are expected to emerge as the government rolls out the programme across the state.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal’s BJP government allocated Rs 36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana.
- The scheme is a revamped version of the former Lakshmir Bhandar programme.
- Budget estimates project one crore women beneficiaries.
- Coverage is lower than the approximately 2.4 crore beneficiaries under the previous scheme.
- The allocation was announced in the BJP government’s first state budget.
- Annapurna Yojana is among the largest welfare allocations in the budget.
- The government says the programme will focus on targeted welfare delivery.
- Additional implementation details are expected in the coming months.
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