West Bengal Government Increases Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Payouts by INR 500 Ahead of Assembly Elections

Kolkata, February 20:The West Bengal government has increased the monthly financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, raising the grant by INR 500 for all eligible beneficiaries. The revised payouts were announced during the interim Budget for the financial year 2026 to 27. Alongside the hike, a fresh enrollment drive has been launched across the state. The last date to apply under the current phase is February 26. Under the updated benefit structure, women in the general category will now receive INR 1,500 per month, up from INR 1,000. Women belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will receive INR 1,700 per month, increased from INR 1,200. State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that INR 15,000 crore has been allocated for the scheme in the current financial cycle to support the enhanced payouts. The increase is expected to benefit millions of women across both rural and urban regions.West Bengal Budget: Mamata Banerjee Govt Raises Lakshmi Bhandar Payout by INR 500 Ahead of Assembly Elections. A fresh round of application form distribution began this week and will continue until February 26, which is the final date for submission under this enrollment phase. Eligible women can collect and submit forms at designated camps set up at assembly constituency levels and local Panchayat offices. The enrollment process is being carried out under the state’s outreach initiative Duare Sarkar.West Bengal ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ Scheme 2026: Know Eligibility and How to Apply. Authorities have clarified that application forms are provided free of cost. Applicants have been advised not to pay any fees or approach middlemen for enrollment. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme is open to female residents of West Bengal aged between 25 and 60 years. To qualify, applicants must: • Be enrolled under the state health insurance scheme Swasthyasathi • Not be a permanent government employee • Not receive a regular government pension Applicants must submit: • Aadhaar card and Swasthyasathi card • SC or ST certificate if applicable • A single operated bank account in the applicant’s name • A recent passport size photograph After submission, applications will be verified by Block Development Officers in rural areas and Sub Divisional Officers in urban regions. Once approved, the monthly financial assistance will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through direct benefit transfer. Applicants can track their status through the state’s official social security portal using their registered mobile number. Launched in 2021 under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Lakshmir Bhandar aims to provide assured monthly income support to women heads of households. Over the years, it has emerged as one of West Bengal’s flagship welfare schemes focused on financial inclusion and women’s empowerment. With the revised grants and the application window open until February 26, eligible women are encouraged to apply within the deadline to avail the increased benefits. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2026 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).