The fourth instalment of the Annapurna Yojana has been released in West Bengal on September 17, 2026. Under the scheme, eligible women receive financial assistance of Rs 3,000 every month directly in their bank accounts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed women beneficiaries on the occasion and spoke about the objective of providing financial assistance directly to eligible women. He said the government wants eligible beneficiaries to receive the benefits of the scheme without having to depend on intermediaries.
According to the official notification issued by the West Bengal government, the Annapurna Yojana provides assured monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to eligible women residing in the state. The amount is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary. The scheme came into effect from June 1, 2026.
Reports on the September instalment have put the number of beneficiaries at around 1.5 crore to 1.58 crore women. Since different reports have cited slightly different figures, the beneficiary count should be understood as the reported figure for the current instalment.
Rs 3,000 Monthly Assistance
The West Bengal government’s notification dated May 19, 2026, provides for monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 under the Annapurna Yojana. The payment mechanism was made effective from June 1, 2026, through DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
The official eligibility rules state that women between the ages of 25 and 60 can qualify, subject to the prescribed conditions. Women in permanent government employment receiving regular salary or pension and income-tax payers are excluded under the notified conditions.
Existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme can also be migrated to the Annapurna Yojana after the required verification process, subject to the conditions laid down by the government.
Scheme Introduced in June 2026
The Annapurna Yojana was officially notified on May 19, 2026, and financial assistance under the scheme became effective from June 1. The official objective of the scheme is to promote the empowerment and socio-economic upliftment of women in West Bengal.
The scheme provides a fixed monthly amount to eligible beneficiaries. Since payments are made through DBT, the financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
### Why Was the September Instalment Released on September 17?
The September instalment was scheduled for September 17. The date also coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, while programmes related to Annapurna Day were organised in West Bengal. Reports said that the September assistance was being transferred to eligible beneficiaries on the occasion.
The number of beneficiaries has also increased compared with earlier months. Reports have cited around 1.58 crore women as beneficiaries for the September payment, although other reports have used figures slightly above 1.5 crore.
### Focus on Women’s Economic Empowerment
During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of women having greater financial support and decision-making capacity. He said direct financial assistance could help women manage necessary household and personal expenses.
The official description of the scheme also identifies women’s empowerment and socio-economic upliftment as its primary objectives.
The Prime Minister also spoke about direct transfers and said the government’s objective was to ensure that eligible women receive the financial assistance directly in their accounts.
### Who Is Eligible?
Under the notified rules, women aged between 25 and 60 who are residents of West Bengal may qualify for the scheme, subject to the prescribed conditions. Women receiving regular salary or pension through permanent government employment and women paying income tax are among those excluded under the official eligibility criteria.
The scheme also requires relevant identity and banking details for the payment process. Since the money is transferred through DBT to Aadhaar-linked accounts, discrepancies in banking or Aadhaar information can affect the payment process.
The government has also provided arrangements for applications and beneficiary-status tracking through its official system.
### What Happens Next?
The Annapurna Yojana provides for monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to eligible beneficiaries. The beneficiary list can change based on verification and eligibility conditions.
The release of the fourth instalment has brought renewed attention to the scheme and its role in providing monthly financial assistance to women in West Bengal. Future instalments will depend on the beneficiary’s continued eligibility and the government’s payment process.
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