Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Explained: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process

Understanding this, the Government of West Bengal launched the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, a special financial support program for women. Whether you are a homemaker, a mother, a daughter, or a sister, this scheme is designed to help you take your first step toward self-reliance.

Let’s break down this Laxmi Bhandar project in simple terms: what it is, Laxmi Bhandar benefits, Laxmi Bhandar eligibility, and how to apply for the scheme.

What is the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?  

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a financial assistance program started by the West Bengal Government to support women from low-income households.

Under this scheme:

1. ₹500 per month is given to General Category women.  

2. ₹1,000 per month is given to SC/ST Category women.  

This money is transferred directly to the bank account each month. It helps cover basic daily expenses and gives women more control over their finances.

What are Laxmi Bhandar eligibility criteria?

Here’s a simple checklist to see if you can apply:

• You must be a woman resident of West Bengal.  
• Your age should be between 25 and 60 years.
• The household of the applicant should be enrolled under the “Swasthyasathi” scheme (Swasthya Sathi is a Group Health Insurance scheme of the Government of West Bengal)  
• You must not have a permanent government job.  
• You should have a bank account in your name.  

Even if you are a housewife, you can apply! If you are fulfilling the above eligibility criteria.

What are the Benefits of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme? 

• Monthly income without a job  
• Financial independence for women  
• Helps cover basic household needs  
• Encourages women’s empowerment  
• Safe and direct transfer to your bank account  

What Documents are Required Before the Application? 

• Aadhaar Card as identity proof.  
• Swasthyasathi Card
• Bank Account Details: Aadhaar-linked bank account details of the eligible female member.
• Caste Certificate, if applicable, for SC/ST category applicants.  
• Proof of Address, documents like ration card, electricity bill, etc.  
• Age Proof, a document verifying the age of the applicant (for women aged between 25-60).
• Self-Attested Copies: All the above documents must be self-attested.  

How to apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

The application process for this scheme is offline:

Step 1: 

• The application form for the scheme will be available for free at the Duare Sarkar Camps.
• The applicant must submit the completed and signed application form at a Duare Sarkar Camp, along with self-attested copies of the required documents. 

Step 2: 

• Government officials authorized to do so will review the applications collected at the Duare Sarkar Camps according to the Duare Sarkar process. 
• After verification, the Block Development Officer in rural areas or the Sub-Divisional Officer in urban areas will enter the applications into the portal. 
• They will verify and recommend the list of eligible applicants to the District Magistrate for approval.

(In areas governed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation will complete this process.)

Step 3: The Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation will approve applications for residents in areas under its jurisdiction. For all other applications, the District Magistrate will be the approving authority for this investment for women scheme.

Step 4: The financial support approved under the scheme will be deposited monthly through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) into the Aadhaar-linked bank account that belongs to the eligible adult female member(s) of the household.

[Note: The life status of the beneficiaries of the scheme will be checked once a year through the Registrar of Births and Deaths using the online system.]

Ladies, money in your hands means more than just spending power; it means freedom, choice, and confidence. Whether you are managing a home or planning your future, the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a wonderful opportunity to support your journey.

As much as earning is important part of financial independence, saving and investing are also equally important. So start building your financial independence with Lxme, where you can start investing with as little as Rs. 100.

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