The Lakshmir Bhandar Yojana, introduced by the Government of West Bengal in 2021, aims to provide financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections, thereby promoting their empowerment and financial independence. In a significant development, the state government has announced an increase in the monthly payments under this scheme, effective from April 2025. This enhancement reflects the government’s commitment to improving the socio-economic status of women in the state.
Lakshmir Bhandar Yojana 2025 Payment Increased, Check Your Eligibility Here
Revised Financial Assistance:
Under the updated provisions of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Women: The monthly financial assistance has been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,200.
- General Category Women: The monthly financial assistance has been increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
This increment aims to provide more substantial support to women, assisting them in meeting their daily expenses and enhancing their quality of life.
Eligibility Criteria:
To benefit from the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Gender and Age: The scheme is exclusively for women aged between 25 and 60 years.
- Employment Status: Women who are permanent or retired employees of the central or state government, statutory bodies, government undertakings, or any government-aided educational institutions are not eligible. Additionally, women receiving regular salaries or pensions are excluded from the scheme.
- Family Income: Families with at least one tax-paying member are not eligible.
- Land Ownership: General category women who own more than 2 hectares of land are ineligible for the scheme.
Application Process:
Eligible women can apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme through the following steps:
- Obtain Application Form: Application forms are available free of cost at the nearest Duare Sarkar camps, municipal offices, or Block Development Offices (BDO).
- Complete the Form: Fill in the required details accurately, ensuring all information is correct and up-to-date.
- Attach Necessary Documents: Along with the application form, applicants must submit photocopies of the following documents:
- Aadhar CardSwasthya Sathi CardSC/ST Certificate (if applicable)Bank Passbook (showing account number, bank address, IFSC code, etc.)Passport-sized color photographMobile number
- Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents at the Duare Sarkar camp, municipal office, or BDO office. Upon submission, an acknowledgment slip will be provided.
Implementation and Budget Allocation:
To ensure the smooth implementation of the enhanced Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, the Government of West Bengal has allocated an additional budget of ₹12,000 crore. This substantial allocation underscores the government’s dedication to supporting women’s welfare and promoting inclusive growth in the state.
Impact of the Scheme:
The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme has been a cornerstone in the state’s social welfare initiatives, benefiting over 2 crore women since its inception. The increase in financial assistance is expected to further empower women, enabling them to contribute more effectively to their households and communities. By providing a steady source of income, the scheme aims to reduce financial disparities and promote gender equality across West Bengal.
Conclusion:
The enhancement of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme’s financial assistance marks a significant step towards strengthening the socio-economic fabric of West Bengal. By broadening the scope and benefits of the scheme, the government reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive development. Eligible women are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by applying through the prescribed channels and securing the benefits designed to support their financial well-being.