The West Bengal government’s Social Security portal is an initiative to provide a gateway for citizens to track welfare benefits and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) statuses. This portal offers various services, including registration for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, tracking application status, and checking payment status.
Overview of West Bengal Social Security Portals
The West Bengal government operates two primary social security portals: socialregistry.wb.gov.in (Social Registry) and socialsecurity.wb.gov.in (Social Security). Both portals serve as gateways for tracking welfare benefits and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) statuses. These portals aim to provide citizens with easy access to information and services related to various social security schemes.
The Social Security portal provides a range of services, including registration for various schemes, application status tracking, and payment status checks. Beneficiaries can access information on schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and Annapurna Yojana, which provide financial assistance to eligible women. The portal also allows citizens to track their application status and payment status online.
Annapurna Bhandar Scheme: A Gateway to Financial Assistance
As of June 1, 2026, the West Bengal government replaced its flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme with the new Annapurna Bhandar (also called Annapurna Yojana). This scheme provides a uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women aged 25-60, transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via DBT.
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme has stricter eligibility criteria, excluding income taxpayers, government employees, and those removed from the State Identification Register (SIR). All existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are being automatically migrated to the new scheme. The official online application portal for new beneficiaries is https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login. However, the portal experienced server crashes due to high traffic in early June 2026.
- Key Features of Annapurna Bhandar Scheme:
- Uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women aged 25-60
- Financial assistance transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via DBT
- Stricter eligibility criteria, excluding income taxpayers, government employees, and those removed from the State Identification Register (SIR)
- Free state-run bus travel for women
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme removes caste-based distinctions, unlike the old Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The required documents for application include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, bank passbook with active single Aadhaar-linked account, residence proof (electricity/water bill), and passport-size photograph.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme, also known as Annapurna Yojana, has been introduced by the West Bengal government to provide financial assistance to eligible women. To be eligible for the scheme, women must be between 25-60 years old and their names should not be in the State Identification Register (SIR). Additionally, they should not be income taxpayers or government employees.
The application process for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme involves several steps. Women can apply online through the official portal https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login. However, the portal experienced server crashes due to high traffic in early June 2026. Required documents for application include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, bank passbook with active single Aadhaar-linked account, residence proof (electricity/water bill), and passport-size photograph.
The application verification process is conducted by Block Development Officers (BDOs) in rural areas and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) in urban areas. A 90-day enrollment drive started on June 1, 2026, and the first phase of fund transfers commenced on June 3, 2026.
Key Benefits and Features of Annapurna Bhandar Scheme
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme provides a uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women, which is transferred directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). One of the significant features of this scheme is that it removes caste-based distinctions, unlike the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
Another key benefit of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme is that it provides free state-run bus travel for women. This scheme aims to empower women and provide them with financial independence.
All existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are being automatically migrated to the new Annapurna Bhandar scheme. However, women who are already receiving benefits under other schemes may not be eligible for this scheme.
Tracking Application and Payment Status
Beneficiaries can check their application and payment status online via the Social Security Portal’s “Track Applicant Status” option. They can use their Application ID, Aadhaar number, or registered mobile number to track the status.
The Social Security Portal provides a convenient way for citizens to track welfare benefits and DBT statuses. The portal offers services like Annapurna Bhandar scheme registration, application status tracking, and payment status checks.
- Application status tracking
- Payment status checks
- Annapurna Bhandar scheme registration
Comparison with Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
The West Bengal government replaced the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme with the Annapurna Bhandar scheme on June 1, 2026. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which was launched in February 2021, provided financial assistance to women belonging to SC/ST and general categories.
Under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, SC/ST women received ₹1,700 and general category women received ₹1,500 per month. However, the Annapurna Bhandar scheme provides a uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible women, regardless of their caste.
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme has stricter eligibility criteria compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, excluding income taxpayers, government employees, and those removed from the State Identification Register (SIR).
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to be eligible for the financial assistance. One of the primary conditions is that the applicant must be a woman aged between 25 and 60 years. Additionally, she must be a resident of West Bengal and have a valid Aadhaar card. The scheme also excludes certain categories of individuals, including income taxpayers, government employees, and those removed from the State Identification Register (SIR).
To apply for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, applicants need to provide certain documents to verify their eligibility. The required documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
- Bank passbook with an active single Aadhaar-linked account
- Residence proof (electricity/water bill)
- Passport-size photograph
It is essential to ensure that all the documents are valid and up-to-date to avoid any issues during the application process. The applicant’s bank account must also be linked to her Aadhaar card to facilitate direct benefit transfer (DBT) of the financial assistance.
Application Process and Verification
The application process for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme involves online registration through the Social Security portal. New beneficiaries can apply through the official online application portal at https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login. However, the portal experienced server crashes due to high traffic in early June 2026, causing delays in the application process.
Once the application is submitted, it undergoes verification by the designated authorities. In rural areas, Block Development Officers (BDOs) conduct the verification, while in urban areas, Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) are responsible for verifying the applications. The verification process involves checking the applicant’s eligibility and ensuring that all the required documents are valid.
After successful verification, the applicant is enrolled in the scheme, and the financial assistance is transferred directly into her Aadhaar-linked bank account. Beneficiaries can track their application and payment status online through the Social Security Portal’s “Track Applicant Status” option using their Application ID, Aadhaar number, or registered mobile number.
Application Process and Required Documents
The application process for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme involves several steps. To apply, eligible women need to gather the required documents, which include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, bank passbook with an active single Aadhaar-linked account, residence proof (electricity/water bill), and a passport-size photograph.
The application verification is conducted by Block Development Officers (BDOs) in rural areas and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) in urban areas. A 90-day enrollment drive started on June 1, 2026, and the first phase of fund transfers commenced on June 3, 2026.
Beneficiaries can apply online through the official portal at https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login. However, the portal experienced server crashes due to high traffic in early June 2026. Women who are already beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme are being automatically migrated to the new Annapurna Bhandar scheme.
Eligibility Criteria and Exclusions
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme has stricter eligibility criteria compared to the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Women aged 25-60 are eligible to apply, and the scheme provides a uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000. However, there are certain exclusions, including income taxpayers, government employees, and those removed from the State Identification Register (SIR).
The scheme also removes caste-based distinctions, which were present in the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Under the old scheme, SC/ST women received ₹1,700 and General category women received ₹1,500 per month. The new scheme provides a uniform amount to all eligible women.
Additionally, the Annapurna Bhandar scheme provides free state-run bus travel for women, which is a new benefit not available under the previous scheme.
Tracking Application and Payment Status
Beneficiaries can track their application and payment status online via the Social Security Portal’s “Track Applicant Status” option. They can use their Application ID, Aadhaar number, or registered mobile number to check the status.
The Social Security portal provides a gateway for citizens to track welfare benefits and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) statuses. The portal offers services like Annapurna Bhandar scheme registration, application status tracking, and payment status checks.
Beneficiaries can access information on schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and Annapurna Yojana, which provide financial assistance to eligible women.
- Application status tracking
- Payment status checks
- Annapurna Bhandar scheme registration
Conclusion
The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is a new initiative by the West Bengal government to provide financial assistance to eligible women. The scheme provides a uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women aged 25-60, transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via DBT. The scheme has stricter eligibility criteria and removes caste-based distinctions.
The Social Security portal provides a convenient way for beneficiaries to track their application and payment status. The portal offers various services, including scheme registration, application status tracking, and payment status checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the Annapurna Bhandar scheme?
A: The Annapurna Bhandar scheme is a new initiative by the West Bengal government to provide financial assistance to eligible women. - Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme?
A: Women aged 25-60 are eligible to apply for the scheme. - Q: What is the monthly financial assistance provided by the scheme?
A: The scheme provides a uniform monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000. - Q: How can beneficiaries track their application and payment status?
A: Beneficiaries can track their application and payment status online via the Social Security Portal’s “Track Applicant Status” option.