The Government of West Bengal has introduced the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme (also known as Lokkhi Bhandar or Laxmi Bhandar) to uplift women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing a regular monthly income. Launched in February 2021, the scheme aims to support women across the state, offering a monthly financial aid of ₹500 for women from the General category and ₹1,000 for women from SC/ST communities. Administered by the Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Department, this initiative is a vital step toward ensuring the economic independence and social empowerment of women in West Bengal.
What is the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme (meaning “Treasure of Lakshmi”) is designed to provide financial support to women between the ages of 25 and 60 in West Bengal. The scheme covers women from both rural and urban areas who are enrolled in the Swasthya Sathi Scheme, making it accessible to a wide demographic across the state.
In the 2024-25 budget, the West Bengal government expanded the scheme by increasing the monthly financial benefit to ₹1,000 for women from general categories and ₹1,200 for women from SC/ST backgrounds.
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Overview
| Article Name | Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Administered By | Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Dept. |
| Objective | Provide monthly financial aid to women in West Bengal |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1,000 for General Women; ₹1,200 for SC/ST Women |
| Eligibility | Women aged 25-60, enrolled in Swasthya Sathi Scheme |
| Application Mode | Online/Offline |
| Official Website | socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
How Does the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Work?
The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme directly credits monthly financial assistance into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
- For General Category women: ₹1,000 per month.
- For SC/ST women: ₹1,200 per month.
This system helps ensure transparency and timely delivery of funds to eligible women. In 2024, the government extended this scheme’s reach, aiming to include additional beneficiaries, ultimately bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 2.2 crore.
Objectives of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
The main objectives of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme include:
- Promoting Economic Independence: By offering monthly financial support, the scheme empowers women to manage their household expenses, reducing financial dependency on others.
- Social Empowerment: The financial aid enables women to improve their social standing, fostering greater community participation and decision-making.
- Boosting Local Economies: Increased purchasing power among women is expected to stimulate local businesses, especially in rural areas.
Eligibility Criteria for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
To be eligible for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Age: Applicants should be between 25 and 60 years old.
- Swasthya Sathi Enrollment: The woman must be enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi Scheme.
- Non-Government Employee: Women currently employed by the government or receiving a government pension are not eligible.
- Land Ownership: The household’s total landholding should not exceed 2 hectares.
Required Documents for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Application
Applicants need to submit the following documents to apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme:
- Aadhar Card
- Swasthya Sathi Card
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Account Details
- Shapath Patra (Affidavit)
- Passport-sized Photograph
How to Apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
Eligible applicants can apply through both online and offline modes:
Offline Application Process:
- Obtain Application Form: Visit the nearest Duare Sarkar Camp to get the application form free of cost.
- Submit Documents: Fill in the application form and submit it along with the required documents (e.g., Aadhar Card, Swasthya Sathi Card, Bank details, etc.).
- Verification: After submission, applications are verified by government officials before being processed.
Online Application Process:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official website socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.
- Download the Form: Download and print the application form.
- Submit Online: Fill in the required details and upload the necessary documents.
How to Check Lakshmir Bhandar Application Status?
Once you’ve applied for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, you can easily check the status of your application using either Application ID, Aadhar Number, or other identifiers:
Check by Application ID:
- Visit the official website socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.
- Click on “Track Application Status”.
- Enter your Application ID and Captcha, then click “Search” to view the status.
Check by Aadhar Number:
- Visit the official portal.
- Click Track Application Status.
- Enter your Aadhar Number, followed by the Captcha, and click Search.
You can also check the status using your Mobile Number or Swasthya Sathi Card Number in a similar manner.
Annual Verification of Beneficiaries’ Life Status
To ensure that funds are disbursed correctly, beneficiaries’ life status is verified annually through an online system managed by the Registrar of Birth and Death. This helps maintain transparency and ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue receiving benefits.
Financial Management of the Scheme
The funds for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme are managed by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal. These funds are disbursed monthly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring seamless and efficient delivery of financial aid to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Conclusion
The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme represents a monumental step towards financial independence and social empowerment for women in West Bengal. By providing regular financial support, the government helps improve the economic security of women, ensuring that they can contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. This initiative is a beacon of hope for women, providing them with the opportunity to break free from poverty and lead more empowered lives.
Important Links for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
- Official Lakshmir Bhandar Website
- Check Application Status
- Download Lakshmir Bhandar Application Form PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
To be eligible, women must be between 25 and 60 years old, residents of West Bengal, enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi Scheme, and from families with landholding of less than 2 hectares. Women working for the government or receiving a pension are not eligible.
Is there any fee to apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
No, applying for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is completely free of charge.
Can men apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
No, this scheme is exclusively for women.
What is the financial assistance provided under the scheme?
Women from General categories receive ₹1,000 per month, while SC/ST women receive ₹1,200 per month.
Can I apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme if I am already a beneficiary of another government scheme?
No, individuals who are already beneficiaries of similar government schemes are not eligible for this scheme.