Annapurna Yojana Payout: 1.58 Crore Women in West Bengal To Receive INR 3,000 on PM Narendra Modi's Birthday
Under the Annapurna Yojana scheme, 1.58 crore eligible women in West Bengal are set to receive an INR 3,000 direct bank transfer, with rural housing and land property criteria relaxed. The disbursement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, marking an increase of nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries compared to the previous month.
Approximately 1.58 crore eligible women across West Bengal are set to receive a direct bank transfer of INR 3,000 under the Annapurna Yojana on September 17. The disbursement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, marking an increase of nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries compared to the previous month.
The expansion reflects a steady upward trend in coverage since the scheme's rollout, scaling up from 28 lakh recipients in June to 1.19 crore in July, and expanding further through recent administrative verification rounds, reports Livemint. Nandigram By-Election 2026: BJP Fields Suvendu Adhikari’s Slain Aide’s Mother Hasirani Rath (Video).
Revised Eligibility and Rural Relaxations
Earlier adjustments to the program outline precise income ceilings. Women earning over INR 10,000 a month or belonging to households with an annual income exceeding INR 12 lakh remain excluded from the initiative. However, individuals already receiving auxiliary state benefits - such as disability allowances or PM-Kisan support - retain eligibility provided they meet all other criteria.
To address previous gaps in rural outreach, specific property constraints have also been relaxed. Commenting on the adjustments, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari noted, "Last month, questions were raised about many eligible women not receiving the money. Now, women in rural areas having more than three rooms will also get the benefit. This will increase the number of rural women covered under the scheme."
Under the updated framework, owning more than 50 decimals of land or possessing a home with more than three rooms will not automatically disqualify rural applicants. Furthermore, recipients drawing alternative government grants amounting to less than INR 3,000 will receive the differential balance through the Annapurna scheme.
Disbursement Schedule and Verification
The Finance Department manages district-wise fund transfers directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. For applicants cleared through ongoing scrutiny, payments are scheduled to be processed during the second week of each month. "Eligible women between 25 and 60 years of age will receive the money. There is no reason to worry about this. The Finance department will transfer the money district-wise. Those whose verification has been completed will receive the money in their accounts in the second week of every month," Adhikari stated. Suvendu Adhikari Eats Fish Bhog at Kalighat Temple on Kaushiki Amavasya (Video).
Originally envisioned as a key welfare commitment in the BJP's election manifesto for women aged 25 to 60, the scheme continues to prioritize structured rollouts as final administrative verification processes progress.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 10:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
