Lakshmi Bhandar Beneficiaries to Receive Old Age Allowance Post 60, Decision Awaits Final Approval

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, December 23, 2024 : Women beneficiaries under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will begin receiving old age allowance upon turning 60, as per the new proposal under consideration by the West Bengal government. The draft for this initiative has been prepared, but the final decision rests with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Following her approval, the proposal will proceed to the cabinet for formal ratification, after which official guidelines are expected to be issued by Nabanna, the state administrative headquarters. Implementation is anticipated in the upcoming year.

The Women, Child, and Social Welfare Department of the state government oversees the disbursement of old age allowance under the ‘Old Age Pension’ scheme. Currently, the scheme stipulates that only individuals with a monthly income of ₹1,000 or less are eligible for this benefit. However, the government is considering removing this upper income limit to ensure that all women, similar to Lakshmi Bhandar beneficiaries, can avail themselves of the scheme.

While the move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who allege that it is a political strategy to garner votes, the initiative has been credited with assisting many marginalized women across the state. Opponents also argue that individuals who do not require financial assistance are benefiting from the scheme, raising concerns over the utilization of taxpayers' money.

The government, however, maintains that the scheme operates automatically for Lakshmi Bhandar beneficiaries, who are eligible for old age allowance as soon as they reach 60 years of age. This move is expected to benefit several lakh women across West Bengal, extending the welfare net to a wider demographic.