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Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme

Updated: August 5, 2026By Sarkari Yojana Team64 views
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Scheme for: Individual Scheme category: Social welfare & Empowerment, Women and Child Tags: Financial Asisstance, Social Welfare, Women, Lakshmir Bhandar
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हिन्दीमराठीবাংলাગુજરાતીதமிழ்తెలుగుಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംਪੰਜਾਬੀଓଡ଼ିଆঅসমীয়া

West Bengal government has launched the updated Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 for women heads of families across the state. The state budget on February 5, 2026 announced a major increase in monthly allowances under this scheme. Eligible women will now receive ₹1,500 per month for general category households and ₹1,700 per month for SC/ST category households. The scheme covers approximately 2.1 to 2.4 crore families in West Bengal with an additional ₹15,000 crore allocation.

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme serves as a primary initiative by the government of West Bengal to support women from economically weaker households. Launched in February 2021, this scheme focuses on encouraging financial independence among women between the ages of 25 and 60 who hold a valid Swasthya Sathi card. As of August 2026, the scheme continues to run with enhanced benefits ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

By providing direct monthly support, this scheme helps eligible women manage essential household expenses more effectively. For example, if Sunita belongs to an SC/ST household, she receives ₹1,700 per month, whereas if Preeti belongs to the general category, she receives ₹1,500 per month. This initiative ensures that women have access to the resources needed for their daily requirements.

The average monthly consumption expenditure of a household in West Bengal is about ₹6,000. Providing ₹1,500 per month to general category households and ₹1,700 to SC/ST households accounts for roughly 25% to 28% of their monthly expenditure. Payments are made directly through DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 - Key Updates

Detail Information
Scheme Name Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
State West Bengal
Beneficiaries Women heads of families
Monthly Benefit (General) ₹1,500 per month
Monthly Benefit (SC/ST) ₹1,700 per month
Total Beneficiaries ~2.1-2.4 Crore families
Budget Allocation ₹15,000 Crore extra
Application Mode Online and Offline
Official Website socialsecurity.wb.gov.in
Nodal Department Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department
Implementing Agency Duare Sarkar Camps

2026 Budget Updates

In the February 5, 2026 budget, the West Bengal government raised the monthly allowance by ₹500 for each category. The new rates became effective from February 2026 payments. The state allocated an additional ₹15,000 crore to support the expanded beneficiary base of around 2.1 to 2.4 crore families. Swasthya Sathi enrollment remains mandatory for all applicants.

Benefits

This scheme provides direct financial support to eligible women based on their social category. The monthly assistance is disbursed as follows:

Category Monthly Benefit Amount
Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribes Households ₹1,700
General Category ₹1,500
EWS Families ₹1,500

Eligibility

To apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You should be a permanent resident of West Bengal and belong to an eligible household category.
  • You must be a woman aged between 25 and 60 years.
  • Your household must be enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi health scheme.
  • For general category families, the household should not have any tax-paying member and should own less than 2 hectares of land.
  • You should not be a government employee or retired person receiving a pension from state or central government departments, local bodies, or government-aided educational institutions.

Application Process

Offline Application

STEP 1 - Collect your application form free of cost at the local Duare Sarkar Camp. You can also download the form PDF from the official website at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in. Complete the form, sign it, and attach self-attested copies of all requested documents.

STEP 2 - Submit your documents at the same camp. An authorized government official will review your application. Once verified, the Block Development Officer (in rural areas) or Sub-Divisional Officer (in urban areas) will upload your details to the official portal for approval by the District Magistrate.

STEP 3 - If you reside within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area, the Commissioner will handle the verification and sanction of your application.

STEP 4 - Once approved, the financial assistance reaches your bank account directly through DBT. You should maintain an active, Aadhaar-linked bank account in your own name to receive payments.

Note: The government conducts a yearly verification of your status via the Registrar of Birth and Death to ensure the scheme reaches eligible beneficiaries.

Online Status Check

STEP 1 - Visit the official Lakshmir Bhandar Portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login.

STEP 2 - Use your registered mobile number and the OTP received on your phone to log in and check your application status.

STEP 3 - Alternatively, visit the track applicant page at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/track-applicant to check your payment status using your mobile number, application ID, Aadhaar card, or SwasthyaSathi card number.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before filling the application form:

  • Swasthya Sathi Card (mandatory for enrollment verification).
  • Aadhaar Card linked to your bank account.
  • SC/ST Certificate (if applicable for higher benefit amount).
  • Single Bank Account passbook copy showing name, account number, IFSC, and MICR code.
  • Recent passport-size photograph.
  • Ration Card number for address verification.
  • Signed self-declaration confirming your status as a West Bengal resident, declaration that you receive no regular salary or pension from government sources, and verification that all provided information is accurate.

References

Official Lakshmir Bhandar Portal

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Notification PDF

Track Application Status Online

FAQ's

What is Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026?

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a financial empowerment program by the West Bengal government providing monthly cash support to women heads of households from economically weaker backgrounds. As of 2026, general category women receive ₹1,500 per month and SC/ST women receive ₹1,700 per month.

Who is eligible for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

Women between 25 and 60 years of age who are permanent residents of West Bengal and have a Swasthya Sathi card are eligible, provided they are not regular government employees or pensioners.

Is there a fee to apply for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

No, there is no application fee for this scheme. The form is available free at Duare Sarkar camps and the official website.

What amount will I receive in 2026?

Eligible women receive either ₹1,500 (general category) or ₹1,700 (SC/ST category) per month, as revised in the February 2026 budget.

How is the money received?

The funds are transferred directly into your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT. No physical cheque or cash distribution is involved.

Can I apply if I am already receiving other benefits?

You should check if those benefits conflict with the eligibility rules. Generally, the scheme is designed for those not receiving regular government salary or pensions.

What if my application gets rejected?

You should verify your documents for errors and correct any discrepancies before reapplying through the Duare Sarkar process or by visiting the local BDO/SDO office.

Can men apply for this scheme?

No, this scheme is exclusively for women who are heads of their households.

Can I withdraw the money in cash?

The money is deposited into your bank account, from which you can withdraw it as needed using ATM or bank counter services.

What is the official website for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

The official portal is socialsecurity.wb.gov.in. You can register, check application status, and track payments from this website.

Related Latest Updates

3 Oct, 2026, 11:40 PM 30 lakh Lakshmir Bhandar recipients may lose Annapurna Yojana benefits

Nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries of West Bengal's existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme may lose out on benefits from the state government's new Annapurna Yojana, said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The BJP-led state government is set to replace the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and will provide Rs 3,000 to eligible beneficiaries every month through direct benefit transfer.

Who will not receive Annapurna Yojana benefits?

Lakshmi Bhandar beneficiaries whose names are permanently deleted from the voters list, or who had not applied to an SIR-linked tribunal or for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for inclusion, may not receive the benefit of Annapurna Yojana, reported PTI, citing Bengal CM.

17 Sep, 2026, 9:10 PM Annapurna Yojana replaces Lakshmi Bhandar scheme in West Bengal

Annapurna Yojana replaces Lakshmi Bhandar scheme in West Bengal. Under this, money transfers go directly to the bank accounts of women. Lakshmi Bhandar gave ₹1,200 per month to women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households. Women from other categories got ₹1,000 per month.

Scheme implementation

Government launched Annapurna Yojana after taking office to help women. Administration says transfers happen without middlemen or cut-money.

1 Sep, 2026, 6:03 PM West Bengal Women Protest Over Annapurna Yojana Exclusion

Many women in West Bengal are reporting issues getting cash help under Annapurna Yojana. The government promised 3,000 rupees monthly to eligible women aged 25 to 60. Even so, many people who got support from the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme are now left out.

Reasons for issues and next steps

Protests are happening in districts like Bankura, Malda, Birbhum, and Cooch Behar. Women are blocking roads to ask for updates. Many applicants say government records show wrong information, such as listing them as government workers. The official notice says payments start through DBT payment on June 1, 2026. Still, a lack of clear system on why applications were rejected is causing money problems for many families.

State officials told people to take their application details to local Block Development Officers or Sub-Divisional Officers for checking. The scheme replaced the old welfare program. It requires that you do not pay taxes and do not work for the government.

24 Aug, 2026, 9:11 PM Concerns Raised Over Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Implementation

Protests are happening across West Bengal about the Annapurna Bhandar cash support scheme. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says the government is unfairly lowering the count of eligible people by using new rules.

## Scheme eligibility concerns

She stated that around 75 percent of women who got support under the old Lakshmir Bhandar scheme were removed after the recent assembly elections. The former leader asked women who lost their benefits to list their names and addresses to contest this.

She also warned people to be careful about the coming Census. She thinks it might be connected to wider changes in the local administration.

21 Aug, 2026, 2:05 PM Protest at Rajganj BDO Office Over Annapurna Yojana Payments

Women gathered outside the Rajganj BDO office on Friday to ask for unpaid benefits under Annapurna Yojana. Residents said they applied many times but got no results. They also claimed that people who do not meet the rules are getting funds instead.

Payment delays and issues

Some women received payments once but then the money stopped. They also shared problems with Lakshmir Bhandar, as their regular payments have stopped. Many feel ignored by officials despite visiting the local office several times. Protesters blocked the main gate and road to get attention. They want immediate action to fix these payment delays for all eligible people.

17 Aug, 2026, 8:13 PM Annapurna Bhandar Scheme Details and Application Deadline

Women in West Bengal now get more money help under the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme. This program replaced Lakshmir Bhandar on June 3, 2026. Eligible women receive ₹3,000 every month, which adds up to ₹36,000 each year. The money goes directly into bank accounts linked to Aadhaar.

Who can apply

Women between 25 and 60 years old who live in West Bengal are eligible. Government workers, pensioners, and income taxpayers cannot get this help. If you already got money from the old scheme, you do not need to apply again. Your account will move over automatically. Just make sure your bank details are correct to get payments without any trouble.

You can apply until August 25, 2026. Submit your form online on the Social Registry West Bengal portal. If you prefer, visit your local Block Development Office, municipal office, or Panchayat camp for help.