In a major step towards women’s empowerment, the West Bengal governement has announced in its budget that the monthly financial assistance scheme, Annapurna Yojana will receive an allocations of Rs 36,000 crore, while Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for free transportation to women in state-run buses.
The scheme is aimed at providing eligible women in the age group of 25-60 years, residing in West Bengal with monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month, credited directly to their Aadhaar linked bank accounts.
Nari Sahayata Desk, Durga Suraksha Squads
In a direction aimed at safeguarding women’s safety in West Bengal, the budget document proposes setting up at least one women police station in every sub-division and Nari Sahayata Desk in every police station.
Durga Suraksha Squads consisting of women officers will be set up for patrolling of busy city areas and public places. In addition to this, two all-women battalions will be established in the State Reserve Police Force, named after Bengali freedom fighters Matangini Hazra and Rani Shiromani, the document mentioned.
Anganwadi workers’ honororium increased
The budget recognised the contribution of Anganwadi workers and helpers in uplifting the nutritional standards of children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers, by taking primary medical services to their doorsteps.
Hence the budget has proposed to increase their monthly honorarium by Rs 5,000.
আশাকর্মীদের জন্য বড় উপহার, মাসিক সাম্মানিক ৫,০০০ টাকা বাড়ানোর ঘোষণা#ashakarmi #WestBengalBudget #suvendugoverment #BJPgoverment #DainikStatesman #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/GCYCBCivLJ
— Dainik Statesman (@StatesmanDainik) June 22, 2026
Reducing girls’ drop-out rate
To reduce the drop-out rate of girl students in higher education, the Budget has proposed a new scheme under which a one-time support of Rs 50,000 will be provided to unmarried girl students of government and government aided colleges.
The state budget has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for this purpose.
Rs 21,000 for pregnant, lactating mothers
The state budget mentioned that the central government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana to compensate for wage loss to pregnant and lactating mothers. In addition to this that state government has announced a total financial assistance of Rs 21,000 including the financial benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. Pregnant mothers will also be provided six nutritional kits, the budget document mentioned.
‘Pink Slips’ for women commuters
The budget has proposed an allocation of Rs 550 crore to ensure free transportation to women in state run buses to all women residing in West Bengal. It also mentioned that pink cards will be introduced soon to implement this scheme.