BJP assures continuation of Mamata Banerjee’s flagship women welfare scheme
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday confirmed that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government will continue the “Lakshmir Bhandar” welfare scheme launched by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Adhikari clarified that the state government will not stop any existing welfare programs. Instead, his administration plans to continue all major public welfare initiatives for women and economically weaker sections.
The “Lakshmir Bhandar” scheme, launched in 2021, remains one of the most influential welfare programs in West Bengal. Under the scheme, eligible women between 25 and 60 years receive monthly financial support. Women belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes receive up to ₹1,200 every month, while women from other categories receive ₹1,000 monthly.
Moreover, the scheme significantly strengthened financial support for women across rural and urban areas. Political analysts also considered it a major factor behind Mamata Banerjee’s electoral success in recent years.
Therefore, Suvendu Adhikari’s announcement sends a strong message that the BJP government intends to maintain welfare continuity while focusing on governance and public support.
