Annapurna Bhandar and Free Bus Travel for Women in West Bengal

Exam-focused facts from the 19 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal will implement Annapurna Bhandar, a Direct-Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for women, from June 1.
Eligible women under Annapurna Bhandar are expected to receive ₹3,000 per month directly into their bank accounts.
Women in West Bengal will be able to travel free in state-run buses from June 1, with the transport department considering a pink ticket or zero-fare ticketing model.
The state will implement Ayushman Bharat, a central health insurance programme providing up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family with national portability.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the full implementation of Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, and PM Krishak Bima Yojana in the state.