Lakshmi Bhandar vs Other Schems: Why It Stands Out
India is witnessing a wave of women-centric welfare schemes. But how does West Bengal's Lakshmi Bhandar compare to similar programs in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and other states? We break down the numbers to see which scheme offers the best support.
Scheme-by-Scheme Battle
| Feature | Lakshmi Bhandar (WB) WINNER | Ladli Behna (MP) | Gruha Lakshmi (Karnataka) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | ₹1,200 (SC/ST) ₹1,000 (Gen) |
₹1,250 | ₹2,000 |
| Eligibility Age | 25 - 60 Years | 21 - 60 Years | Head of Family Only |
| Coverage | Universal (All women except Govt employees) | Income Limit (< ₹2.5L) | Head of Household Only |
| Mode | Direct Bank Transfer | Direct Bank Transfer | Direct Bank Transfer |
Why Lakshmi Bhandar is Unique
While other schemes might offer slightly higher amounts in some cases, Lakshmi Bhandar stands out due to its Universality.
Unlike schemes that restrict benefits to only the "Head of the Family" (often leaving out daughters-in-law or younger women), Lakshmi Bhandar covers every eligible woman in the household between 25-60 years. This ensures no woman is left behind.
The Road Ahead
With proposals to increase the amount to ₹2,100 in 2026, Lakshmi Bhandar is poised to become the most generous direct benefit transfer scheme in the country, surpassing its competitors in both scale and effective financial support.
