The government of West Bengal has introduced the Laxmi Bhandar scheme or Lakshmir Bhandar Prakalpa to promote woman empowerment. The scheme provides assured monthly financial assistance to the women of West Bengal. A sum of Rs. 1000 for SC/ST woman and Rs. 500, for other categories, will be provided through the scheme.
This scheme was a part of the election manifesto of the ruling party, Trinamool Congress. The party has a stronghold on the woman voters of the state.
It is not the first time that the Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a scheme to empower women. Swasthyasathi, a health insurance card, is also issued to the female head of the family.
What is Laxmi Bhandar scheme?
Laxmi Bhandar scheme assures to provide monthy financial support of Rs. 1000 for SC/ST women and Rs. 500 for the general category. Only households which are enrolled under the Swasthyasathi scheme are eligible for this financial support. In every such household, which is registered under the Swasthyasathi scheme, all female members can apply for this scheme. The applicant will receive the amount directly into their bank account.
How to enroll in Laxmi Bhandar scheme?
The Laxmi Bhandar application form will be available free of cost at the Duare Sarkar camps. It is important to note that the form downloaded from the internet will not be allowed. The West Bengal government has planned to organize a Duare Sarkar camp in every ward across the state.
To prevent forgeries, the state government will distribute forms for Laxmi Bhandar only from the camps. The Duare Sarkar registration number is generated based on the Aadhar card number. This unique identification number mentioned in the form will be obtained from the camp. The application form with an invalid/nill registration number will not be permitted. One has to submit the duly signed filled form with required documents at the camp itself.
The Duare Sarkar camp is a government initiative to deliver government services at the doorsteps of people of West Bengal. The camps are organized from 16 August 2021 to 15 September 2021. Through these camps, people of the state can also apply under other schemes offered by the state.
Who is eligible for Laxmi Bhandar scheme?
- Female member must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Her age must be between 25-60 years.
- Female head of the household must be enrolled under the Swasthyasathi scheme.
- The applicant must have a bank account. The account must be linked with the Aadhaar number.
- Permanent/retired government employees will not get the benefits of the scheme.
Documents required for Laxmi Bhandar scheme
Self-attested photocopies of the following documents must be submitted with the application form:
- Swasthyasathi card
- Aadhar card
- Colored Passport size photograph
- SC/St certificate, if applicable
- Bank account details – self-attested photocopy of the first page of bank book / canceled cheque. It should provide the following details:
- Account Holder’s name
- Account Number
- Bank Address
- IFSC Code
- MICR number
The account must be held solely by the female member. Joint bank accounts are not permitted.
Form details in West Bengal Lakshmi Bhandar scheme
One has to fill in the following details in the Lakshmi Bhandar Application Form:
- Duare Sarkar Registration Number – the number will be obtained from the Duare Sarkar camp
- Swasthyasathi Card Number
- Aadhaar Number
- Beneficiary Name
- Mobile Number
- Email Id, if available
- Date of Birth
- Father’s Name
- Mother’s Name
- Spouse Name
- SC/ST certificate number (Mandatory for SC/ST)
- Address
- Bank Account Details
- Bank Name
- Bank branch name
- bank account no
- IFSC Code
- The applicant has to sign the SELF DECLARATION form that states the following:
- She is a resident of West Bengal.
- She does not earn any monthly remuneration/pension from Government/ government undertakings/ government-aided educational institutions.
- All of the information in the form is correct.
Submit the filled application form along with required documents at the camp. The officials will provide an acknowledgment receipt.
Government officials will do the verification of the application forms. Once a year, the living status of the beneficiary will be obtained from the registrar of birth/ death through online systems.
Laxmi Bhandar scheme status check
One can check the status of the Laxmi Bhandar application by logging into https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login. Use the mobile number mentioned in the application form. Then click on Generate OTP. Enter the OTP and log into the portal.
How many people have participated in the scheme?
The Laxmi Bhandar scheme has become hugely popular among women across the state. There is so much rush to get the card. Stampede-like situations have been reported from Duare Sarkar camps. Internet is full of such videos where women are getting injured in camps. In some places, police had to use force to bring the situation under control.
The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has requested people not to crowd at the camps. She has also suggested that the government will extend the deadline if required.
More than two crore women are expected to enroll in the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme at the camps.
