Current Affairs - State - Discussion

The Annapurna Bhandaar scheme was announced in West Bengal on May 11, 2026, by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The scheme aims to provide direct financial support of ₹3,000 per month to eligible women through bank transfers. It replaces the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which offered lower financial assistance to women from the general and SC/ST categories. Along with financial aid, the state government also introduced free travel for women on state-run buses. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on women’s welfare, social security, and economic empowerment while integrating several central government schemes within the state.