The Laxmi Bhandar officially known as Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 (লক্ষ্মী ভান্ডার 2026) is a well-known women’s empowerment scheme introduced by the Government of West Bengal. Under this scheme, eligible women receive financial assistance of ₹1,700 per month (₹20,400 per year) in the case of SC/ST beneficiaries, and ₹1,500 per month (₹18,000 per year) for beneficiaries from other categories.
The scheme is aimed at supporting women from economically weaker households who face financial difficulties. The assistance provided helps them manage essential household expenses and meet basic family needs through direct transfers made by the government.
What is Lakshmir (Laxmi) Bhandar Scheme 2026?
The Laxmi Bhandar scheme is one of the key women empowerment initiatives introduced by the Government of West Bengal to support women in becoming financially independent. The scheme is designed for women from economically weaker sections of society, aged between 21 and 60 years, who are enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi scheme.
Under Laxmi Bhandar, financial assistance is transferred directly into the bank accounts of selected beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The objective of the scheme is to help women meet their everyday household expenses and encourage greater self-reliance, reducing their dependence on others for basic financial needs.
Key Highlights of Laxmi Bhandar Scheme 2026
| List Name | Details |
| Scheme Name | Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme 2026 |
| Released by | Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal |
| Official Website | https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login |
| Objective | The objective of the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme is to provide regular financial support to women from economically weaker households, helping them meet essential family expenses. The scheme aims to promote financial independence and improve the overall social and economic security of women across the state. |
| Financial Benefits for SC/ST (W) | ₹1,700 per month |
| Other Categories (W) | ₹1,500 per month |
| Target Groups | Women from economically weaker sections of society. |
| Mode | Online (Direct Bank Tranfer) |
| Helpline Numbers | 033-23341563, 033-23371797 / secy.wcdsw@gmail.com |
Eligibility Criteria Under the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme 2026
To qualify for the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These conditions are outlined below and are verified at the time of application:
- Permanent Resident of West Bengal: The applicant must be a permanent resident of the state of West Bengal.
- Women Applicants Only: The scheme is exclusively meant for women, and only female applicants are eligible to apply.
- Own Bank Account: The applicant must have a personal bank account in her own name, matching the name on the Aadhaar card. The account should be Aadhaar-linked and active.
- Active Mobile Number: A valid and active mobile number is required for application and communication purposes.
- Age Requirement: The eligible age range for the scheme is between 25 and 60 years at the time of application.
- Not a Government Employee: Women who are employed by the government or who receive a regular government salary or pension are not eligible under this scheme.
Any woman who meets the above conditions can apply for the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme and receive financial assistance from the government, subject to verification and approval.
Documents Required for Laxmi Bhandar Application
To apply for the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme, applicants are required to submit the following documents for verification:
- Swasthya Sathi Card: Eligible women must carry the Swasthya Sathi card issued by the government.
- Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar is a mandatory document for identity verification under the scheme.
- SC/ST Certificate: Applicants belonging to the SC or ST category must provide a valid caste certificate. This document is not required for applicants from other categories.
- Bank Account Details: Since Laxmi Bhandar is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, the applicant must have an active bank account in her own name. The name on the bank account should match the Aadhaar details to ensure smooth credit of benefits.
- Passport-Size Photograph: A recent, coloured passport-size photograph is required at the time of application.
- Self-Declaration Form: The applicant must submit a signed self-declaration stating that she is a resident of West Bengal and does not receive a regular government salary or pension.
These are the primary documents required for a new application. If any additional documents are needed, the concerned official will inform the applicant during the application process.
How to apply for Lakshmi Bhandar Application?
The application process for the Laxmi Bhandar scheme is conducted offline through the Block Development Office (BDO) or the local municipality office. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to obtain and submit the application form.
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
The Laxmi Bhandar application form is available free of cost at Duare Sarkar camps. Applicants can also download the application form in PDF format and take a printout. Once downloaded, the form should be filled carefully with all the required details as mentioned.
Step 2: Attach Required Documents
After completing the form and affixing the photograph, gather all the necessary documents as listed earlier. Photocopies of the required documents should be attached along with a self-attested declaration. Original documents may be carried for verification if needed.
Step 3: Submit the Application
The completed application form, along with all supporting documents, should be submitted at the nearest BDO office or municipality office for processing.
Step 4: Receive the Application Number
After successful submission, an application number is sent to the applicant’s registered mobile number. This number serves as an acknowledgement and is important for future reference, such as tracking application status, checking payment updates, or making any related enquiries.
Applicants are advised to keep the application number safely for all future communication regarding the Laxmi Bhandar scheme.
Laxmi Bhandar Application Status Tracking 2026
After successfully submitting the application, applicants receive their application details, including the application number, on the registered mobile number. This application number can be used to track the current status of the Laxmi Bhandar application at any time.
Below are the steps to check the application status online using either the application number or the registered mobile number.
Step 1: Visit the official Social Security Scheme portal of the Laxmi Bhandar scheme.
Step 2: On the homepage, look for the “Track Application Status” option available at the top section and click on it.
Step 3: The application tracking page will open. Here, select the preferred option—either Application Number or Mobile Number. Enter the selected details along with the CAPTCHA code, and then click on the Search button.
Once submitted, the application status will be displayed on the screen. If the application has been rejected, the rejection message will be shown directly on the portal. If the application is approved, details such as approval date, bank information, and payment instalments released by the government will also be displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme?
The Laxmi Bhandar Scheme is a women-focused welfare initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal to provide monthly financial assistance to eligible women from economically weaker households. The amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account to help meet essential household expenses and promote financial independence.
Is Laxmi Bhandar and Lakshmir Bhandar the same scheme?
Yes, Laxmi Bhandar and Lakshmir Bhandar refer to the same government scheme. The difference in spelling is due to variation in English transliteration, but both names point to the same women empowerment scheme implemented in West Bengal.
Who is eligible for Lakshmir Bhandar?
Women who are permanent residents of West Bengal, fall within the prescribed age limit, are enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, and meet the income and eligibility criteria are eligible for Lakshmir Bhandar. Applicants should not be regular government employees or pensioners.
What is the maximum age requirement?
As per the scheme guidelines, the minimum age required to apply for the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is 25 years, while the maximum age limit is 60 years at the time of application.
How much money is given under the Laxmi Bhandar Scheme?
The Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women residents of West Bengal. Women belonging to the SC and ST categories receive around ₹1,700 per month, while women from other eligible categories receive around ₹1,500 per month. This support helps beneficiaries manage essential household expenses and improve financial stability.
How to check Laxmi Bhandar status?
Laxmi Bhandar status can be checked online through the official portal using details such as the registered mobile number, application ID, or Aadhaar number. Beneficiaries can also check their status offline by visiting Duare Sarkar camps, BDO offices, or local municipal offices.
Is there any fee chargeable to apply for this scheme?
There is no application fee for the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme. The application process is completely free, and eligible women do not need to pay any charges to apply under this scheme.
Last Updated: February 2026