Election-bound states ramp up welfare cash for women

Offering cash benefits ahead of elections is fast becoming routine, with states stepping up allocations targeted at women voters.

In West Bengal, the 2026-27 Budget raised monthly assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme by ₹500. Women aged 25-60 from SC/ST categories, who were receiving ₹1,200 per month, will now get more, while those from other categories, earlier receiving ₹1,000, will also see an increase.

The state is due for Assembly elections in the coming months.


In Kerala, which is also headed for polls, the government has earmarked ₹3,720 crore for the Chief Minister's Sthree Suraksha Scheme launched in December last year, providing ₹1,000 per month to eligible women.

In Bihar, where a new NDA government took office in November after announcing ₹10,000 support for women entrepreneurs, the 2026-27 Budget provides an additional ₹3,000 per year over the ₹6,000 annual assistance under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Meanwhile, Punjab, which goes to the polls early next year, is also expected to provide ₹1,000 per month to women in its upcoming Budget - a promise made by the Aam Aadmi Party in its 2022 manifesto.