(লক্ষ্মীর ভান্ডার প্রকল্প – Complete Details, Benefits, Eligibility, Apply Process)
Scheme Status: Active
Launched By: Mamata Banerjee
State: West Bengal
Launch Year: 2021
Nodal Department: Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare West Bengal
Introduction
The West Bengal Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is one of the most impactful and widely recognized social welfare initiatives launched by the Government of West Bengal. Introduced in 2021, the scheme is designed to provide monthly financial assistance to women, particularly those from economically weaker households.
The core objective of this scheme is to ensure that women have financial independence and are able to contribute meaningfully to household expenses. By directly transferring money into the bank accounts of eligible women, the government aims to strengthen their economic position and promote dignity and self-reliance.
Over the years, the scheme has evolved significantly. With recent revisions in 2024–2025, the financial assistance amounts have been increased, making the scheme even more beneficial. As of 2026, more than 2.1 crore women beneficiaries are receiving monthly benefits under this scheme.
Scheme Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme |
| Also Known As | Lakshmir Bhandar Prakalpa |
| Launched Year | 2021 |
| State | West Bengal |
| Beneficiaries | Women (25–60 years) |
| Benefit Type | Monthly Financial Assistance |
| Implementing Department | Women & Child Development Dept |
| Mode of Transfer | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Application Mode | Offline (Duare Sarkar Camps) |
| Current Status | Active |
Latest Benefits & Financial Assistance
The Government of West Bengal has revised the benefit amounts to provide higher financial support to women.
Monthly Assistance Table
| Category | Previous Amount | Revised Amount (2024 onwards) |
| SC / ST Women | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| General Category Women | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
Key Points:
- ₹200 increase for SC/ST women
- ₹500 increase for General category women
- Direct bank transfer every month
- No intermediary involvement
This increase reflects the government’s commitment to addressing inflation and improving the standard of living of beneficiaries.
Objectives of Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
The scheme is built around several important objectives:
- To provide basic financial security to women
- To empower women in household decision-making
- To support daily household expenses
- To promote gender equality and financial inclusion
- To reduce dependency on others for small financial needs
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the benefits reach the right beneficiaries, the government has set clear eligibility conditions.
Eligible Applicants Must:
- Be a permanent resident of West Bengal
- Be a female applicant
- Be aged between 25 to 60 years
- Belong to a family with limited income
- Have a valid bank account in her name
Not Eligible Applicants:
The following categories are excluded:
- Employees of:
- Central Government
- State Government
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Statutory bodies
- Retired pension holders
- Employees of government-aided institutions
- Women receiving regular salary or pension
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents during application:
| Document Name | Purpose |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity Verification |
| Swasthya Sathi Card | Mandatory scheme linkage |
| Passport Size Photo | Identification |
| Bank Passbook | For DBT transfer |
| SC/ST Certificate | Category verification |
| Self Declaration Form | Income & eligibility proof |
How to Apply for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
Currently, the application process is offline only, conducted through special government camps.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the nearest Duare Sarkar Camp
- Collect the Lakshmir Bhandar Application Form (free of cost)
- Fill in:
- Personal details
- Bank account details
- Category information
- Attach required documents
- Submit the completed form at the camp
- Receive an Acknowledgement Receipt
- Verification by:
- Block Development Officer (BDO)
- Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)
- Final approval by District Authority
- Benefit credited after approval
Application Status Check
Applicants can track their application using:
- Application ID
- Aadhaar Number
- Registered Mobile Number
- Swasthya Sathi Card Number
(Status can be checked through the official portal)
Key Features of the Scheme
- ✔ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- ✔ Transparent verification process
- ✔ Free application process
- ✔ Targeted towards women empowerment
- ✔ Covers both rural and urban women
- ✔ Linked with Swasthya Sathi Scheme
- ✔ Automatic transition to old-age pension after 60
Transition After 60 Years
Once a beneficiary reaches the age of 60 years, she is automatically shifted to:
➡️ Old Age Pension Scheme
This ensures continuous financial support even after exiting Lakshmir Bhandar.
Sanctioning Authorities
| Area | Authority |
| Kolkata Municipal Area | Commissioner, KMC |
| Other Areas | District Magistrate |
Impact of the Scheme
The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme has had a significant social and economic impact:
- Benefiting 2.1+ crore women
- Enhancing financial inclusion
- Increasing women participation in household decisions
- Reducing financial dependency
- Strengthening rural economy
The scheme is considered a game-changer in women welfare policies in India.
Helpline & Contact Details
Helpline Numbers:
- 033-23341563
- 033-23371797
Email Support:
- support.lakshmirbhandar-wb@nic.in
- secy.wcdsw@gmail.com
Office Address:
Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare
Bikas Bhavan, Sector 1
Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700091
- 🔗 Important Links – West Bengal Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
| Service | Official Link |
| Official Lakshmir Bhandar Portal | https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
| Application Status Check | https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in |
| Download Application Form | https://wcdsw.wb.gov.in |
| Self Declaration Form Download | https://wcdsw.wb.gov.in |
| English Guidelines PDF | https://wcdsw.wb.gov.in |
| Bengali Guidelines PDF | https://wcdsw.wb.gov.in |
| Department of Women & Child Development & Social Welfare | https://wcdsw.wb.gov.in |
| Duare Sarkar Official Portal | https://ds.wb.gov.in |
- Important Note
Applicants are advised to use only official government portals for scheme-related services. Lakshmir Bhandar applications are generally processed through Duare Sarkar Camps, and no private website is authorized to charge fees for application submission
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
It is a financial assistance scheme for women launched by the Government of West Bengal.
Q2. What is the monthly benefit amount?
₹1,200 for SC/ST women and ₹1,000 for General category women.
Q3. Who can apply?
Women aged 25–60 years who are residents of West Bengal and not salaried/pension holders.
Q4. Is online application available?
No, only offline application via Duare Sarkar camps is allowed.
Q5. Is Swasthya Sathi Card compulsory?
Yes, but provisional registration is allowed.
Q6. How is the money transferred?
Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts.
Q7. What happens after 60 years?
Beneficiaries are automatically shifted to old-age pension schemes.
Conclusion
The West Bengal Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 continues to stand as a powerful initiative aimed at uplifting women financially and socially. With increased financial assistance, simplified application processes, and wide coverage, the scheme ensures that millions of women across the state receive consistent economic support.
It not only addresses immediate financial needs but also contributes to long-term empowerment and gender equality. If you or someone in your family meets the eligibility criteria, applying for this scheme can provide a reliable monthly financial boost.