Focus on Women's Empowerment & Financial Independence

the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a landmark social security initiative introduced by the Government of West Bengal in August 2021. Designed to provide basic income support to women across the state, it became one of India’s most discussed direct cash transfer models. An essential update defines this discussion: As of June 1, 2026, the West Bengal government has officially transitioned this initiative into a new, expanded program called the Annapurna Yojana (Annapurna Bhandar), which dramatically increases the payout structure for beneficiaries.