Bengal Government Prepares to Launch ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ Scheme

Suvendu Adhikari on Monday directed officials to initiate steps for the rollout of the ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme and free bus travel for women beginning next month, according to sources at the state secretariat.

The proposed Annapurna Bhandar scheme was one of the major promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the state assembly election campaign. Under the proposal, eligible women beneficiaries are expected to receive financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month as part of the welfare initiative.

The government is also preparing to introduce free travel for women on all state-run transport buses, another key commitment highlighted in the BJP’s election manifesto. Officials said discussions are currently underway to finalise eligibility conditions, beneficiary identification procedures, and implementation guidelines for both schemes.

The state administration is reportedly working on financial and logistical planning to ensure the smooth rollout of the programmes within the proposed timeline. The announcements are being viewed as among the first major welfare initiatives of the new BJP-led government in West Bengal following its historic electoral victory.

Political observers believe the schemes could have a significant social and economic impact, particularly for women from lower- and middle-income households across the state.