State Welfare, Political Economy and Gendered Outcomes: A Critical Study of Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme in West Bengal

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection of state welfare and political economy through a critical analysis of the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme in West Bengal. Introduced as a direct cash transfer initiative targeting women, the scheme aims to enhance financial security and promote gender inclusion. The study explores how such welfare measures function not only as tools of social protection but also as instruments within broader political-economic strategies. By combining secondary data with limited primary insights, the paper evaluates the scheme’s impact on women’s economic agency, household decision-making, and social status. It also critically engages with debates surrounding welfare dependency, fiscal sustainability, and electoral politics. The findings suggest that while the scheme contributes to immediate financial relief and symbolic empowerment, its long-term transformative potential remains contingent on structural factors such as employment opportunities and institutional support. The paper contributes to the discourse on welfare governance and gendered development in contemporary India.