Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Update 2026 Swasthya Sathi Card Not Mandatory And Allowance Hiked

Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme: The ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, one of the most successful initiatives by the West Bengal State Government aiming at women’s empowerment, has received a significant update. Looking ahead to 2026, the government has announced crucial changes to make the scheme more accessible. These new guidelines simplify the application process for women across rural and urban areas, removing major bureaucratic hurdles.

Swasthya Sathi Card No Longer Mandatory

Previously, holding a ‘Swasthya Sathi’ card was a mandatory prerequisite for applying to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Many women were deprived of the benefits simply because they or their families did not possess this health card. Addressing this issue, the State Government has declared that the Swasthya Sathi card is no longer mandatory. Applicants can now submit their forms without this card. While those who have the card can still submit it, its absence will no longer lead to the rejection of the application.

Hike in Allowance Amount

Alongside simplifying the rules, the government has also announced a substantial increase in the financial assistance provided under the scheme:

• General Category Women: The monthly allowance has been increased by Rs. 500, taking the total to Rs. 1,500.
• Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST) Women: The allowance has been hiked to Rs. 1,700 per month.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure the benefits reach the deserving candidates, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
• Age limit is restricted to women between 25 and 60 years. Upon crossing 60 years, beneficiaries will be automatically transferred to the Old Age Pension scheme.
• Permanent government employees or pensioners are not eligible to apply for this scheme.

Required Documents

To complete the application, self-attested photocopies of the following documents must be attached to the form:

• Aadhaar Card: The name on the form must match the Aadhaar card.
• Bank Passbook: Must clearly show the Account Number, Bank Name, and IFSC Code.
• Passport-sized color photograph and a valid mobile number.
• SC/ST Certificate: If applicable.

Application Process

According to the Block Administration, Lakshmir Bhandar forms are accepted throughout the year at Block Development Offices (BDO). Additionally, forms can be collected and submitted at ‘Duare Sarkar’ (Government at Doorstep) camps.

1. Collect Form: From Block office, Duare Sarkar camp, or online.
2. Fill Details: Fill in the form accurately based on Aadhaar details.
3. Attach Documents: Attach the required self-attested documents.
4. Submit: Submit the completed set to the designated counter.

This initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of women across the state, ensuring that no eligible woman above 25 years is left out due to a lack of documentation.