Government Scheme Offers ₹14,400 a Year to Women: Who Is Eligible and Which Documents Are Required

Financial empowerment of women is widely regarded as a foundation for social and economic progress. Keeping this goal in focus, the West Bengal government launched the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, a welfare initiative designed to provide direct financial support to women from economically weaker households. Under this scheme, eligible women receive monthly assistance directly into their bank accounts, helping them manage household responsibilities with greater financial independence and dignity.

The scheme has emerged as a major support system for women who contribute significantly to their families but often lack a stable source of personal income. With regular financial aid, the initiative aims to strengthen women’s role in decision-making, improve household stability, and ensure long-term economic security.

What Is the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a flagship welfare programme introduced in February 2021. It focuses on empowering women between the ages of 25 and 60 who belong to financially weaker sections of society. To be eligible, the family must be registered under the Swasthya Sathi health scheme, which acts as a base identification system for beneficiaries.

Under this programme, women from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) households receive higher financial assistance, while women from other eligible categories also receive monthly support. The funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account every month, ensuring transparency and timely payments.

Over the course of a year, eligible women can receive up to ₹14,400, making it one of the most impactful income-support schemes aimed specifically at women.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

The financial assistance provided under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme varies by category:

• Women from SC and ST households receive ₹1,200 per month, which amounts to ₹14,400 annually.

• Women from other eligible households receive ₹1,000 per month, totalling ₹12,000 annually.

This regular income helps women meet daily household expenses, manage children’s needs, and reduce dependence on others for small but essential financial requirements.

Who Can Avail the Benefits?

The eligibility criteria for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme are simple and clearly defined to ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. To qualify, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

• The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal.

• The woman’s age should be between 25 and 60 years.

• The family must be enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi health scheme.

• The applicant should not be employed in a permanent government job and should not be receiving a government salary, pension, or similar benefits.

These conditions help ensure that financial support is directed towards women who genuinely need economic assistance.

Documents Required for Application

To apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, applicants must submit a set of essential documents. These documents help verify identity, eligibility, and banking details:

• Swasthya Sathi card

• Aadhaar card

• SC/ST certificate (if applicable)

• Self-attested photocopy of the first page of the bank passbook

  • The passbook must clearly show the applicant’s name, account number, bank address, IFSC code, and MICR number

  • The bank account must be in the name of the eligible adult female applicant

• Recent colour passport-size photograph

• Self-declaration form signed by the applicant stating:

  • She is a resident of West Bengal

  • She does not receive any monthly salary or pension from the state government, government bodies, local authorities, or government-aided institutions

  • All information provided in the application form is correct

Submitting accurate and complete documents is crucial, as any discrepancy may lead to delays or rejection of the application.

Why the Scheme Matters

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is more than just a financial assistance programme. For many women, it represents independence, self-respect, and financial security. A fixed monthly income allows women to contribute meaningfully to household expenses, plan better for emergencies, and reduce financial stress.

Experts believe that such schemes have a long-term positive impact on families and communities. When women are financially empowered, spending on health, nutrition, and education often improves, leading to better overall social outcomes.

Final Takeaway

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme stands out as a strong step towards women-centric welfare and inclusive growth. By providing direct monthly financial assistance, the scheme helps women from economically weaker backgrounds build a sense of security and independence.

Women who meet the eligibility criteria should ensure that their documents are in order and their bank details are accurate to continue receiving benefits without interruption. With consistent support and transparent implementation, the scheme continues to play a vital role in improving the financial well-being and dignity of women across the state.