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Major update to Lakshmi Bhandaar scheme: Monthly assistance increased from ₹1,500 to ₹1,700. Can you really earn ₹4.5 million?

Major update to Lakshmi Bhandaar scheme: Monthly assistance increased from ₹1,500 to ₹1,700. Can you really earn ₹4.5 million?
The monthly amount for the West Bengal government’s most popular welfare scheme, ‘Lakshmi Bhandaar,’ has been increased by ₹500 from February 2026. Following this announcement by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the 2026-27 Budget, the amount women receive has now been increased according to their category. Lakshmi Bhandaar Scheme: New Amount (2026 Update) Category Old Amount (per month) New Amount (from Feb 2026) Annual Benefit General / OBC ₹1,000 ₹1,500 ₹18,000 SC / ST ₹1,200 ₹1,700 ₹20,400 What is the ‘math’ of ₹4.5 million? (The Reality Check) Under the scheme, the government does not directly provide ₹45 lakh.
This claim is based on savings and investment (compounding). According to experts, if a woman invests the ₹1,500 she receives from Lakshmi Bhandaar in long-term investments like PPF (Public Provident Fund) or SIP (Mutual Funds) instead of spending it herself, the amount can reach ₹40 to ₹45 lakh after 25-30 years.
For example: If you invest ₹1,500 per month in an investment that offers a 12% annual return, your total accumulated capital will be approximately ₹5.4 lakh after 30 years of continuous investment. However, the power of compounding can increase your maturity amount to more than ₹45 lakh.
Note: This is an investment opportunity, not a guaranteed lump sum from the government.
Eligibility and Application (Eligibility 2026)
Female Resident: Applicants must be women who are permanent residents of West Bengal.
Age Limit: Age should be between 25 and 60 years. (Old age pension starts after 60).
No government job: The applicant or any family member should not be in a government job.
Documents required: Swasthya Sathi card, Aadhar card (linked to bank), single bank account and SC/ST certificate (if applicable).
How to apply?
Duare Sarkar Camp: This is the easiest method. Visit your nearest camp and get the free form.
Online Status: You can check the status of your application by visiting the official portal socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.
Source: Msn.com
Source: OfficeNewz
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