Kolkata, 14 June (H.S.)

More than 21.5 million women in West Bengal have received financial support under the state-run Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a senior government official has said. The initiative, launched in 2021 by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to provide monthly income support to women, has so far cost the exchequer over ₹48,972 crore.

The official revealed that as of October 31, 2024, a total of 2,15,88,775 women have benefitted from the scheme. The programme was introduced shortly after the Trinamool Congress returned to power for a third consecutive term, with the aim of empowering women financially by providing direct monthly assistance.

Women recipients are generally offered ₹1,000 per month under the programme, though the amount may vary based on social and economic categories.

Additionally, around 6,04,837 women have been transitioned from Lakshmir Bhandar to the old-age pension scheme after turning 60, the official stated.

Apart from this, the state government highlighted various other developments, including growth in Anganwadi centres and consumer protection achievements. The number of Anganwadi centres has reportedly tripled—from 19,586 in 2011 to 63,410 as of now.

The official also informed that during 2022-23, penalties collected in consumer protection cases amounted to over ₹2.13 crore, and in 2023-24, out of 10,690 filed cases, 4,815 were resolved.

Meanwhile, the state is also grappling with judicial delays, with 6.95 lakh pending cases in various courts, including 73,164 in the Calcutta High Court alone.

The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme continues to remain one of the flagship welfare initiatives of the West Bengal government, reflecting its focus on inclusive economic support for women.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh