Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday will be observed as “Annapurna Divas” across West Bengal every year, according to an announcement by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The announcement connects the September 17 birthday with the state’s Annapurna Yojana for women. On September 17, around 1.58 crore eligible women are set to receive ₹3,000 each through direct bank transfers. The number of beneficiaries has increased by about 10 lakh from the previous month. The day is also being marked with programmes linked to the welfare scheme across the state.Why Is Annapurna Divas Announced?The announcement means West Bengal will associate September 17 with Annapurna Divas as part of the state government’s annual observance, according to Adhikari. The occasion coincides with the monthly payment under the Annapurna Yojana, which provides ₹3,000 to eligible women. The September payment is being transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer system. The latest figures show the scheme has expanded its beneficiary base as applications have been processed and verified.September 17 will be observed as Annapurna Divas in Bengal.Around 1.58 crore women are expected to receive the September benefit.Each eligible beneficiary is scheduled to receive ₹3,000.The payment is being transferred directly into bank accounts.The beneficiary count is around 10 lakh higher than in August.Annapurna Scheme Expands ReachThe Annapurna Yojana was introduced by the West Bengal government in 2026 as a monthly financial assistance programme for eligible women. According to the state budget analysis by PRS India, the scheme provides ₹3,000 per month and has a budget allocation of ₹36,000 crore for 2026–27. It replaced the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar framework for this category of support.The number of beneficiaries has grown over the months as applications have undergone verification. Reports said about 28 lakh women received the benefit in June, while the number rose to around 1.19 crore in July and approximately 1.48 crore in August. The September figure is expected to reach about 1.58 crore.Also Read: PM Modi Birthday 2026: Prime Minister Shares First Message TodaySeptember Payment Marks OccasionSeptember 17 is significant this year because the latest Annapurna instalment coincides with PM Modi’s birthday and Vishwakarma Puja. The state government has described the occasion as Annapurna Divas, while programmes are being organised across Bengal. PM Modi also addressed beneficiaries and discussed the scheme’s stated objective of providing regular financial support to women.The latest payment is also notable for its expanded coverage. Compared with August, around 10 lakh additional women are expected to receive the ₹3,000 assistance. The scheme’s eligibility rules include age and income-related conditions, with the government saying the latest revisions were intended to expand coverage among eligible rural women.Key HighlightsPM Modi’s birthday is being observed as Annapurna Divas in West Bengal.Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the annual observance.Around 1.58 crore eligible women are receiving ₹3,000 for September.The money is being transferred directly through DBT.Beneficiary numbers have increased by around 10 lakh from August.Annapurna Yojana has a ₹36,000-crore budget allocation for 2026–27.Bengal Links Birthday With WelfareThe PM Modi birthday announcement has placed the Annapurna Yojana at the centre of September 17 programmes in West Bengal. The annual Annapurna Divas proposal comes alongside the monthly financial transfer to eligible women, making the scheme a major part of the state’s birthday-related activities. The government says the direct payments are intended to provide regular financial assistance.For September, the government expects around 1.58 crore women to receive ₹3,000 each, while the beneficiary base continues to expand following application verification and revised eligibility provisions. The annual observance and future payments will remain part of the state’s welfare programme framework, subject to government decisions and applicable rules.Disclaimer: This content is provided only for knowledge purposes and to provide news information.
