Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme – Comprehensive Guide (2025 Update)

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is one of the most transformative welfare initiatives launched by the Government of West Bengal. Introduced in February 2021 under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, this scheme was designed to offer a basic income support to women from low-income households. Its primary aim is to reduce financial dependency and ensure dignity for women who are not formally employed.

This direct benefit transfer scheme provides eligible women with a monthly allowance—₹1,000 for those in the general category and ₹1,200 for women belonging to SC/ST categories. By 2025, the scheme has covered over 2.2 crore beneficiaries across rural and urban regions of West Bengal. The assistance is usually credited directly into the recipient’s bank account, enabling women to manage essential expenses like groceries, children's education, and healthcare independently.

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is now considered a flagship program under the broader umbrella of WB Govt Schemes and West Bengal Welfare Schemes. It reflects the government’s commitment to empowering women and promoting financial security at the household level. The initiative continues to gain praise at the national level, strengthening its reputation as a model for social welfare in India.

🧑‍🎓 Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, applicants must meet specific eligibility conditions related to age, category, and residency. Below is a clear breakdown of who qualifies for this welfare initiative in 2025.

Category	Age Group	Income Limit	Other Conditions
General Category Women	25–60 years	Less than ₹1.25 lakh annually	Must not be a taxpayer; should not be a government employee or pensioner; must be a resident of West Bengal; should possess a Swasthyasathi Card.
SC/ST Women	25–60 years	No income limit	Same as above; caste certificate required.
Widows/Divorced Women	25–60 years	Same as respective category	Not receiving salary or pension; must meet other criteria as per their category.
Married Women	25–60 years	Same as above	Not receiving salary or pension; must meet other criteria as per their category.

📄 Documents Required

To apply for the scheme successfully, eligible women must submit certain key documents for identity verification and benefit processing. The following list includes all the required documents.

• Aadhaar Card (linked with mobile number)

• Voter ID

• Bank Passbook (with applicant's name)

• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants)

• Income Certificate (for General Category applicants)

• Swasthyasathi Card

• Recent passport-size photograph

📝 How to Apply (Online & Offline)

The West Bengal government has made the application process for Lakshmir Bhandar both convenient and accessible. Applicants can apply through Duare Sarkar camps or submit their forms online. Here's a step-by-step guide for both methods.

📌 Offline Application (via Duare Sarkar Camps)

1. Visit the nearest Duare Sarkar camp during the scheduled outreach.
2. Collect and fill the Lakshmir Bhandar application form.
3. Submit the completed form along with all required documents.
4. Receive an Acknowledgment Slip with your application ID.

🌐 Online Application (via Official Portal)

1. Go to https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login.
2. Register or log in using your mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
3. Select Lakshmir Bhandar from the list of available schemes.
4. Upload the required documents and submit the form.

Note: Even if you apply online, document verification may be required at Duare Sarkar camps.

🔍 How to Track Application Status

Once the application is submitted, beneficiaries can track the status of their Lakshmir Bhandar application easily using the government portal. This section explains how to check your payment and approval status online.

1. Visit the official status portal: https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/track-applicant.
2. Enter your Application ID, Mobile Number, Swasthyasathi Card Number, or Aadhaar Number.
3. Click “Search” to view your application status.

💰 Benefits Table

The scheme provides monthly financial assistance based on the applicant’s social category. Below is a detailed table showing the amount currently disbursed under the scheme in 2025.

Beneficiary Category	Monthly Amount
SC/ST Women	₹1,200
General Category Women	₹1,000

The monthly benefit is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Payments are generally released between the 7th to 10th of each month.

🏆 Latest Update / Awards

• In 2024, the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme received the SKOCH Award for outstanding governance and large-scale impact.

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced continued commitment to expand the scheme’s scope in 2025 under the vision of “Banglar Garbo Mamata”.

• As per official figures, over 2.2 crore women have benefited from the scheme, showcasing its remarkable success.

📅 Important Dates

• Next Duare Sarkar Camp Drive: Scheduled for July–August 2025 (tentative).

• Application Window: Open throughout the year.

• Payment Schedule: 7th–10th of every month.

🔗 Important Links

Here are some essential official resources and portals related to Lakshmir Bhandar — including application forms, status check links, and the official government website. These links are regularly updated and fully secure.

Purpose	Link
Official Application Portal	https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login
Application Status Check	https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/track-applicant
Duare Sarkar Camp Information	https://ds.wb.gov.in/
Search Your Camp Location	https://ds.wb.gov.in/Search_DS_Camp.aspx
Scheme Overview on MyScheme	https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/lbs-wb

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can students apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

A: Only if they are aged between 25 and 60 years and meet the income criteria. Most full-time students are not eligible.

Q2. Can I apply if I am working in a private job?

A: No. Salaried women are not eligible. The scheme is intended for non-income earners.

Q3. Is re-verification required every year?

A: Yes, beneficiaries may be asked for periodic document verification.

Q4. What if I change my bank account?

A: You need to update your bank details via Duare Sarkar camps or the online portal to avoid payment failures.

Q5. Is the scheme applicable for women above 60 years?

A: No. Women above 60 years can apply under old-age pension schemes instead.

✍️ Concluding Note by Dibyandu

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme stands as a testament to the West Bengal Government's commitment to women's empowerment and social welfare. By providing consistent financial support, it has significantly improved the lives of countless women across the state. If you or someone you know is eligible, I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. For more updates on West Bengal Government Schemes, stay connected with The Bong Notification.

Warm regards,

Dibyandu Pal

Founder, The Bong Notification

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