The Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme is an initiative program managed by the West Bengal government that provides financial assistance to women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative was launched in February 2021 to empower women aged 25 to 60 by providing them with a monthly stipend, boosting financial independence. Women in SC and ST households receive ₹1,200 per month, while others receive ₹1,000. Given the average monthly household expenditure, this plan represents a substantial step toward improving the lifestyles of approximately 1.6 crore households in the state.
The Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme demonstrates the government’s dedication to women’s empowerment and economic help. It ensures that female heads of households can meet their basic needs and contribute to the state’s economy. The enhanced stipend provided in the 2024-25 budget increases the assistance system, making it one of West Bengal’s most successful welfare schemes. The initiative not only gives cash help but also encourages women to participate in the economic growth of both urban and rural communities.
How To Apply For The Bhandar Scheme Online?
Follow these steps to apply for the West Bengal Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme online.
- Go to the official website of the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme. https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login
- Once the homepage has loaded, enter your registered mobile number.
- Select the “Generate OTP” option.
- You will receive an OTP to your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP into the designated box.
- To proceed, click “login”.
- On the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme page, look for and click on “apply online.”
- The application form will open, requesting you to enter information such as the beneficiary’s name, mobile number, email address, date of birth, father’s and mother’s names, spouse’s names, bank account information, your Sarkar registration number, Swasthya Sathi card number, Aadhaar number, and address.
- Upload the relevant documents under the requirements.
- Examine all of the entered information and uploaded documents.
- Finally, click “submit” to conclude the application process.
Follow these procedures to apply online for the West Bengal Lakshmi Bhandar scheme.
Required Documents:
To apply for the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme 2024, you will require the following documents: An Aadhar Card is your government-issued ID. Caste Certificate: If you belong to the SC/ST categories.
- Ration Cards: For proof of economic condition.
- Residential Certificate: This is to verify you live in West Bengal.
- Age Proof: Like a birth certificate, to certify your age.
- Bank Account Details: For immediate transfer of benefits
- Passport Size Photograph: A recent color image.
- Mobile number: To receive scheme-related communications.
Benefits of the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme
The West Bengal Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme is a social welfare program that provides the following advantages and features:
- Financial Support: SC/ST women receive ₹1,200 per month, while women from other categories receive ₹1,000.
- Target Group: It is intended for women heads of households aged 25 to 60.
- Large Scale: More than 1.5 crore applications have been processed, demonstrating the scheme’s enormous reach.
- Economic Empowerment: The plan helps women become financially independent, strengthening urban and rural economies.
- Budget: The government allotted ₹12,900 crores for the initiative.
- Coverage: It covers 10% to 20% of a beneficiary’s monthly expenses, in line with the state’s average monthly household expenditure.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Financial assistance is transferred directly to qualified women’s Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
- This plan is a key step toward empowering women and promoting financial independence in West Bengal.
Eligibility Criteria for Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme 2024
The eligibility conditions for the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme 2024 are listed below:
- Residency: You must be a woman residing in West Bengal.
- Age: you should be between 25 and 60 years old.
- The Health Scheme Enrollment: Your household must be enlisted in the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ scheme.
- Employment: You must not be a permanent or retired government employee with a regular salary or pension.
- Income: General category families cannot apply if they have at least one taxpayer or own more than two hectares of land.
- SC/ST Category: All families from these categories are eligible to apply.
These criteria ensure the scheme’s benefits reach its intended recipients, strengthening women financially and promoting their independence.