Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026, New Rules and Payment Updates

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a women-focused social welfare scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal in 2021 to provide regular financial assistance to eligible women and strengthen their economic security.

The scheme was introduced through a notification issued by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare. It aimed to provide an assured monthly income to eligible women in rural and urban households across the state.

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme aims to improve women’s financial security and promote their participation in household economic decisions.

• Provide regular financial assistance to eligible women.
• Improve the economic security of women from different social and economic backgrounds.
• Strengthen women’s financial independence and decision-making capacity.
• Support household expenditure on essential goods and services.
• Promote inclusive social welfare across rural and urban areas of West Bengal.

Financial Assistance under Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 

The monthly assistance was revised in February 2026, with higher support provided to women belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households.

Under the February 2026 interim budget announcement, the state government announced an additional ₹500 per month, effective from February 2026.

• Women from households other than SC/ST households: ₹1,500 per month.
• Women from SC/ST households: ₹1,700 per month.

The government allocated ₹15,000 crore for the scheme in the financial year 2026-27. These figures relate to the February 2026 announcement and should be read alongside the subsequent policy change described below.

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Eligibility Criteria under Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 

The scheme guidelines specify eligibility conditions relating to residence, age, government employment and household enrolment.

• Residence: The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal.
• Age: The applicant must be between 25 and 60 years of age.
• Household enrolment: The household must be enrolled under the state’s Swasthyasathi health scheme.
• Government employment: Women in permanent government employment, or retired government employees receiving a regular government salary or pension, are excluded under the scheme’s stated conditions.
• Eligible household members: All eligible female members of a qualifying household may receive assistance, subject to the applicable conditions.

Applicants should check the latest government instructions for the eligibility requirements currently in force.

Application Process under Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 

The scheme has provided application forms through government-organised camps, including Duare Sarkar camps.

• Applicants can obtain the prescribed application form through the designated government channels.
• They must provide the information and documents specified in the applicable guidelines.
• Financial assistance is transferred directly to the eligible beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account held in her own name.
• Applications are subject to verification by the relevant authorities.

In February 2026, application forms were reported to be available through constituency-based camps until 26 February 2026. This deadline has passed. Applicants should check the current process with the West Bengal government or the relevant local administration.

Latest Update : Transition to Annapurna Yojana in 2026

The West Bengal government introduced Annapurna Yojana from 1 June 2026, changing the framework for monthly financial assistance to eligible women.

• Monthly assistance: The notification provides for financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month to eligible women, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
• Age requirement: The specified age range is 25-60 years.
• Exclusions: Women in permanent government employment receiving a regular salary or pension, and women paying income tax, are excluded under the notification.
• Migration of beneficiaries: Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are to be migrated to Annapurna Yojana, subject to verification and specified exclusions.
• Payment method: Assistance is transferred directly to an Aadhaar-linked bank account held in the beneficiary’s name.

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Significance

Lakshmir Bhandar illustrates the role of state-level cash assistance programmes in advancing women’s welfare and social protection.

• Women’s economic empowerment: Regular financial assistance can strengthen women’s control over household expenditure.
• Social protection: Cash transfers can help eligible households meet recurring essential expenses.
• Inclusive welfare: The scheme covered eligible women in both rural and urban areas.
• Direct Benefit Transfer: Payments to beneficiaries’ bank accounts support direct delivery of welfare assistance.
• Gender-responsive budgeting: The scheme demonstrates how state budgets can prioritise financial support for women.

The impact of cash assistance depends on factors such as the adequacy of the amount, regularity of payments, inflation, coverage and women’s control over the money received.