The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 remains among the top powerful welfare programs for women in India. The scheme was initiated through the Government of West Bengal the scheme offers an income-based monthly allowance to women in charge of households across the state.
In a major move prior to the election in the run-up to elections, in a major pre-election move, the West Bengal government announced a major increase in monthly support in the form of Lakshmir Bhandar in its February 5th, 2026 budget of the state, bringing it up to the amount of Rs 1,500 for general category families, and to Rs 1,700 per month for families from SC/ST beginning in February 2026 when the funds are disbursed. With 2.1-2.4 million beneficiaries The scheme has been a mainstay of financial security in the household for women who are economically vulnerable, especially in semi-urban and rural Bengal.
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026
In the 5th of February, 2026 budget The West Bengal government announced a monthly increase of Rs500 for Lakshmir Bhandar payments and positioned the scheme as the central element of the social security plan in the lead-up to next year’s 2026 Assembly elections.
Revised Monthly Assistance (Effective Feb 2026)
- General Classification: Rs 1,500 per month (Rs 18,000 annually)
- SC/ST category: Rs 1,700 per month (Rs 20,400 annually)
The rise is accompanied with an additional budgetary allocation which will guarantee that beneficiaries receive uninterrupted payments. Feb. 2026 DBT transfers are scheduled to start shortly.
The government has reaffirmed the fact that Swasthya Sathi Health scheme registration is still compulsory which is a sign of the state’s comprehensive social security strategy.
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scheme Name | Lakshmir Bhandar / Lakshmi Bhandar Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Beneficiaries | Female heads of household households |
| Coverage | 2.1-2.4 million families |
| Scheme Type | Monthly Basic Income Support |
| Assistance (General) | Rs 1,500/month (Rs 18,000/year) |
| Assistance (SC/ST) | Rs 1,700/month (Rs 20,400/year) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Mandatory Linkage | Aadhaar + Swasthya Sathi |
| Application Mode | Mostly Offline |
| Budget Allocation | An additional Rs 15,000 crore |
| Effective From | February 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.myscheme.gov.in/ |
What Is Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026?
Lakshmir Bhandar (translated as Lakshmi’s Treasure) is an minimum income support program that aims to empower women by providing the payment of a one-time payment for one of the woman who is the primary household member.
According to data from the state:
- The average household’s monthly consumption for households in West Bengal is around Rs6,000
- Lakshmir Bhandar now contributes 25-28 percent of this expense.
This is a form of income support.
- Helps to meet the needs of the household
- Reducing dependence on borrowing from informal sources
- Increases women’s financial autonomy
- Helps ensure stability of income in times of inflation
All households of SC/ST are included All general category households are covered with specific exclusion requirements.
Who Benefits from Lakshmir Bhandar?
The program is targeted towards the economically-vulnerable women in particular those who run households with a low or inconsistent income.
Key Beneficiary Groups
- Women from rural areas who are head of their families
- Single women and widows
- Households in the informal sector
- household members of the SC/ST (universal coverage)
The funds will be directly transferred directly to the beneficiary’s account which ensures transparency by getting rid of middlemen.
How to Check Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Status / Login
Beneficiaries are able to easily verify their application status or their payment status online by logging onto their website of the official Social Security portal.
Step-by-Step Process
STEP 1: Visit the official portal: https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login
STEP 2. A Lakshmir Bhandar log-in screen will be displayed.
STEP 3:
- Enter your mobile number that you have registered.
- Verify using OTP
- Simply click to Login to see you’re the status
Track Status Without Login
You can also track your payment or application status using
- Mobile number
- Application ID
- Aadhaar number
- Swasthya Sathi card number
Lakshmir Bhandar Portal Password Reset
If you forget your login password:
STEP 1: Go to https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login
STEP 2: Click “Generate OTP”
STEP 3: Enter registered mobile number
STEP 4: Receive OTP and reset password
This allows for continuous access to the application and payment information.
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Application Form PDF
In contrast to other central programs, Lakshmir Bhandar applications are mostly offline to ensure the inclusion of women who live in rural areas or are digitally excluded.
Where to Apply
- Duare Sarkar Camps
- BDO / SDO Offices
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Offices
Eligibility of WB Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
To ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries the eligibility requirements are clearly identified.
Basic Eligibility
- Head of the household is female.
- Age range between 25 and 60
- Resident of West Bengal
General Category Conditions
- The household should not have any income tax payed member.
- The household should not have more than 2 hectares of land
Mandatory Requirements
- Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Enrollment in Swasthya Sathi
- Accurate demographic details
Not Eligible
- Government employees
- Pensioners
- Participants in similar income schemes
Payment Method and DBT System
All Lakshmir Bhandar payment are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Key Features
- Credit to bank account every month
- Aadhaar-based verification
- Less delays and leakages
- Transparent transaction trail
Beneficiaries are urged to take care of:
- The bank account is active
- Aadhaar is linked correctly
- The mobile number has been updated
Impact of Lakshmir Bhandar on Households
Through the decades, Lakshmir Bhandar has shown an impact that is tangible:
- Better household consumption
- Financial independence is greater for women.
- Improved nutrition and health spending
- Reduction in vulnerability during shocks to income
Experts in policy often refer to the scheme as an example of a state-wide model for basic income assistance within India.
Political and Policy Significance in 2026
In the midst of Assembly Elections scheduled for April-March 2026 The increased Lakshmir Bhandar rate is widely considered to be a significant social push.
The government’s strategy is focused on:
- Monthly support that is sustained rather than one-time transfer
- Family decision-making that is centered around women
- Social security integration over the long term
Due to its size, Lakshmir Bhandar is expected to remain a crucial electoral and policy reference factor within West Bengal politics.
The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 is among the largest income support programs for women funded by the state of India. programs. With higher rates, a wide range of coverage and strong DBT structure, it is continuing to transform the way households manage their finances all across West Bengal.
If you are a woman who is eligible, making sure to keep that their records are up-to-date and track payments on a regular basis is crucial to ongoing benefits.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the new Lakshmir Bhandar rates in 2026?
Beginning in February 2026, families belonging to the General category get Rs 1,500 per month and SC/ST families get monthly Rs 1,700 through DBT.
Q2. How can I check my Lakshmir Bhandar payment status?
You can verify your status online on the Social Security WB portal using your mobile number, Aadhaar, application ID and Swasthya Sathi account number.
Q3. Is Lakshmir Bhandar application online or offline?
Applications are mostly offline and are submitted via Duare Sarkar camps, BDO/SDO offices as well as KMC offices.
