Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme: Eligibility, Status Check, Amount, How To Apply, Benefits

The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme provides monthly income support to women from economically weaker households in West Bengal. Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹1,500 to ₹1,700 monthly via DBT into Aadhaar-linked accounts. Applicants can perform a Laxmi Bhandar status check online or via the helpline to track application approvals, payment progress, and disbursement details.

Latest Update

Following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the newly elected state government announced that a new welfare scheme named ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ (earlier called Matri Shakti Bharosa Scheme) will gradually replace Lakshmir Bhandar from June 2026. 

• Under the proposed Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, eligible women may receive ₹3,000 per month, which is significantly higher than the current Lakshmir Bhandar amount. 
• The eligibility age is also expected to expand from 25–60 years to 21–60 years.
• Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries are expected to be automatically migrated or may need to complete a simplified e-KYC update once the transition process begins officially.

What is the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a monthly financial assistance scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal for women belonging to economically weaker households. Under the scheme, eligible women receive direct financial support every month in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

The scheme aims to improve financial independence among women and support household expenses through regular Direct Benefit Transfers. Women belonging to SC/ST categories receive higher financial assistance under the scheme.

• The program aims to strengthen the financial position of women from lower-income households and promote gender equity by offering a steady monthly income between ₹1,500 and ₹1,700. 
• The scheme primarily benefits women aged between 25 and 60 years. 

Lakshmi Bhandar Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be a permanent female resident of West Bengal.
• Age between 25 and 60 years.
• Must be enrolled under the 'Swasthya Sathi' health scheme.
• Should not be a permanent or retired government employee (central/state) or employed in government undertakings, statutory bodies, municipalities, panchayats, government-aided educational institutions, or local bodies receiving a regular salary or pension.
• Families belonging to the General category having an income-tax-paying member or owning more than 2 hectares of agricultural land are not eligible for the scheme.

Lakshmir Bhandar Amount

The revised Lakshmir Bhandar amount announced in 2026 provides increased monthly financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries.

How to Apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?

The application process of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is offline. Below are the steps to apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme:

Step 1: Collect the application form for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme from the Duare Sarkar camps, BDO (Block Development Office) offices in rural areas, SDO (Sub-Divisional Office) in urban areas or KMC (Kolkata Municipal Corporation) office in KMC areas.

Step 2: Fill in the application form by entering the required details.

Step 3: Submit the application form along with the required documents and the self-attested copies at the Duare Sarkar camp, BDO in rural areas, SDO in urban areas or KMC office in KMC area.

Step 4: The applications received at the respective offices will be verified and accordingly entered into the portal by the officials. 

Step 5: The BDO, SDO or KMC will recommend the list of eligible applicants to the District Magistrate or Commissioner of KMC to obtain his/her sanction.

Step 6: Once your application has been verified and sanctioned, the financial assistance will be credited to your bank account linked to your Aadhaar Card every month.

Lakshmir Bhandar Form PDF Download

You need to visit the Duare Sarkar camps, BDO, SDO or KMC office, near your house to collect the Lakshmir Bhandar application form free of cost. Alternatively, you can also download the form from the official website.

Lakshmir Bhandar Form Fill Up Online

You cannot fill out the Lakshmir Bhandar form online since the application process is completely offline. However, you can download the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Form from the official website, take a print out of the form and fill it with the required information. Once the form is filled, submit it to the Duare Sarkar camps, BDO (rural area), SDO (Urban area) or KMC office (KMC area) along with the required documents.

Lakshmir Bhandar Documents Required 

The documents required to be submitted along with the Lakshmir Bhandar application form have been listed below:

• Aadhaar card
• Swasthya Sathi Card
• Caste certificate (for SC and ST category women)
• Bank account details, including a self-attested copy of the first page of your bank’s passbook containing the account holder’s name, bank account number, bank address, MICR number, and IFSC code.
• Passport-size coloured photograph of the applicant.
• Duly signed self-declaration that mentions the applicant is a female citizen of West Bengal and is not currently working in any Government aided bodies.

Lakshmir Bhandar Application Status Check 

Follow these steps for a quick Lakshmir Bhandar status check:

Step 1: Visit the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme website.

Step 2: Enter your application ID, mobile number, Aadhaar number or Swasthya Sathi number.

Step 3: Enter the given captcha code and click ‘Search’.

Step 4: The status of your application will be displayed on the screen.

Lakshmir Bhandar Payment Status Check

Applicants can also check Lakshmir Bhandar payment disbursement details and monthly transaction status by following the steps given above.

Lakshmir Bhandar Helpline Number

If you have any queries regarding the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, contact:

• Helpline Number: 033-22143526
• Email: duaresarkar@gmail.com 

Lakshmir Bhandar vs Annapurna Bhandar Scheme

The upcoming Annapurna Bhandar Scheme is expected to replace the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme in phases from June 2026.

With the announcement of the upcoming Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, beneficiaries may receive enhanced financial assistance in the future. Applicants should regularly check official updates regarding e-KYC requirements, application status and scheme transition announcements.

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