Lakshmir Bhandar West Bengal — Monthly Allowance for Women, Apply Online
Lakshmir Bhandar gives ₹500-₹1,000/month to WB women aged 25-60. Check eligibility, documents, and apply online step by step.
Official Links
What is Lakshmir Bhandar (লক্ষ্মীর ভাণ্ডার)?
Lakshmir Bhandar is a flagship scheme of the West Bengal government launched in 2021 under the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare. It provides a monthly financial allowance directly to women aged 25–60 years across the state. The scheme aims to empower women financially and support household expenses.
- SC/ST women receive ₹1,000 per month
- General category women receive ₹500 per month
The amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account (DBT).
Who is Eligible?
To apply for Lakshmir Bhandar, the applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
- Gender: Female
- Age: Between 25 and 60 years
- Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
- Annual family income: Must not exceed ₹2,50,000 (₹2.5 lakh)
- Employment: Must not be a government employee (state or central)
- Pension: Must not be receiving any other state pension or stipend (e.g., old-age pension, widow pension)
- Swasthya Sathi: Must hold a Swasthya Sathi health card (used for identity verification)
Note: Women already receiving benefits under Kanyashree or Rupashree are still eligible for Lakshmir Bhandar separately.
Benefits Amount
| Category | Monthly Amount | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | ₹1,000 | ₹12,000 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | ₹1,000 | ₹12,000 |
| General / OBC | ₹500 | ₹6,000 |
The amount is credited between the 1st and 10th of every month directly into the beneficiary's linked bank account.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Swasthya Sathi Card (mandatory)
- Voter ID / EPIC Card (as proof of West Bengal residency)
- Bank Account Details — account must be in the applicant's name (with IFSC code)
- Caste Certificate — for SC/ST applicants claiming ₹1,000/month
- Passport-size Photograph
- Mobile Number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification)
Tip: Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account for smooth DBT transfer.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply for Lakshmir Bhandar:
Option 1: Online via Official Portal
- Visit lakshmirbhandar.wb.gov.in
- Click on "Apply Online" or "New Application"
- Enter your Swasthya Sathi card number and verify with OTP
- Fill in personal details — name, age, address, caste category
- Upload required documents (Aadhaar, photo, caste certificate if applicable)
- Enter bank account details (account number + IFSC)
- Review and submit the application
- Note down your Application Reference Number for tracking
Option 2: Duare Sarkar Camps (দুয়ারে সরকার)
- Visit the nearest Duare Sarkar camp in your area (held periodically at block/GP level)
- Carry original documents + photocopies
- Camp officials will fill the form and verify your documents on the spot
- You'll receive an acknowledgement slip
Duare Sarkar camps are the most popular route — dates are announced on local government websites and through Panchayat offices.
How to Check Application Status
- Go to lakshmirbhandar.wb.gov.in
- Click "Application Status" or "Check Status"
- Enter your Application Reference Number or Swasthya Sathi ID
- View current status — Pending / Approved / Rejected
You can also check payment status through your bank passbook or by calling the helpline.
Payment Schedule
- Payments are processed monthly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Amount is typically credited between the 1st and 10th of each month
- First payment may take 2–3 months after approval while verification is completed
- Payments are made for 12 months per year (no break during festivals/holidays)
Important Tips
- Swasthya Sathi card is mandatory — apply for it first if you don't have one
- Keep your bank account active — dormant accounts may cause payment failures
- Update Aadhaar if your address or name has changed recently
- If your application is rejected, check the reason on the portal and reapply with corrected documents
- SC/ST applicants must ensure their caste certificate is issued by a competent authority in West Bengal
- Married women can apply independently — husband's income is not the sole criterion; total family income is considered
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can unmarried women apply for Lakshmir Bhandar?
Yes. Marital status does not matter. Any woman aged 25–60 meeting the eligibility criteria can apply.
2. I don't have a Swasthya Sathi card. Can I still apply?
No. The Swasthya Sathi card is mandatory for Lakshmir Bhandar. Apply for Swasthya Sathi first through your local BDO office or Duare Sarkar camp.
3. Can I receive both Lakshmir Bhandar and Kanyashree benefits?
Yes. Lakshmir Bhandar and Kanyashree are independent schemes. Receiving one does not disqualify you from the other.
4. My payment is delayed. What should I do?
Check your application status on the portal. Ensure your bank account is active and linked to Aadhaar. If the issue persists, contact your Block Development Office or call the state helpline.
5. Is there an application fee?
No. Lakshmir Bhandar application is completely free. Do not pay anyone for applying.
6. Can women above 60 apply?
No. Women above 60 may be eligible for the Old Age Pension (বৃদ্ধ ভাতা) scheme instead.
7. What if my family income crosses ₹2.5 lakh after approval?
Benefits may be discontinued upon re-verification. Report changes in income to avoid issues during annual reviews.