Lakshmir Bhandar
Managed by: Department of Women Development & Social Welfare (Directorate of Social Welfare)
About the Scheme
Lakshmir Bhandar is West Bengal's flagship Direct Benefit Transfer scheme that provides monthly financial assistance to female heads of households, helping women achieve greater economic independence.
Welfare Benefits & Assistance
- •Monthly direct cash transfer of Rs. 1,000 to General category female heads of households
- •Monthly direct cash transfer of Rs. 1,200 to SC/ST category female heads of households
- •Amount credited directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account
- •No middlemen involved — fully digital Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Eligibility Criteria
Additional Prerequisites
- Must have a valid Swasthya Sathi Health Card
- Must not be a regular government employee or pensioner
- Must have a single (non-joint) bank account linked to Aadhaar
Documents Required for Application
Tip: Keep scanned color copies of these documents ready before starting your application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Visit the official portal socialsecurity.wb.gov.in
Navigate to the Lakshmir Bhandar section
Enter your Swasthya Sathi card number and Aadhaar details
Upload required document scans
Submit the application and note your reference ID
Visit the nearest Duare Sarkar camp or Block Development Office (BDO)
Collect the official application form for Lakshmir Bhandar
Fill in personal details, Swasthya Sathi card number, and bank account information
Attach self-attested copies of all required documents
Submit at the camp counter and collect your application receipt with tracking ID
Who Should Apply?
- ✓Women aged 25-60 who are the head of their household in West Bengal
- ✓Women holding a valid Swasthya Sathi Health Card
- ✓SC/ST women who want the enhanced benefit of Rs. 1,200/month
- ✓Homemakers and self-employed women not receiving government salary or pension
Who Should NOT Apply?
- ✗Male applicants (this scheme is exclusively for female residents)
- ✗Women already receiving a government salary or pension
- ✗Women under 25 or over 60 years of age
- ✗Applicants who only have a joint bank account and cannot open a single account
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the monthly amount under Lakshmir Bhandar?
Can I apply using a joint bank account?
Is Swasthya Sathi card mandatory?
What happens when the beneficiary turns 60?
How long does the application processing take?
Related Welfare Schemes
Annapurna Bhandar
Women residents of West Bengal aged between 25 and 60 years
Widow Pension
Destitute widows in WB with no income
Manabik Pension
Persons with 40%+ disability in WB
Rupashree Prakalpa
Brides aged 18+ from families with income < Rs. 1.5L/year