Krishak Bandhu Scheme: Landless Farm Labourers Eligible for ₹4,000-Required Documents
In a significant welfare announcement, the West Bengal Government has expanded the scope of its flagship farmer assistance programme, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme . For the first time, landless agricultural labourers will also receive financial support under the scheme, with assistance of up to ₹4,000 per year.
The decision, announced in the state budget, aims to extend economic relief to farm workers who do not own cultivable land and were previously excluded from the scheme. The new benefits will come into effect from April, bringing thousands of rural labourers under the government’s welfare net.
What Has Changed Under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Earlier, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme mainly benefited land-owning farmers and registered sharecroppers. With the latest expansion:
This change ensures timely financial help during key agricultural seasons when household expenses tend to rise.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Conditions
To qualify for benefits under the expanded scheme, applicants must:
Only those meeting all the above criteria will be approved for assistance.
Application Process Explained
Applications will be accepted offline to ensure easy access for rural workers. The state government will conduct:
At these camps:
Why This Expansion Is Important
Landless farm labourers form a large and economically vulnerable section of West Bengal’s rural population. By including them under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, the government aims to:
This expansion marks a key step toward strengthening rural welfare and ensuring that government support reaches those who need it the most.
The decision, announced in the state budget, aims to extend economic relief to farm workers who do not own cultivable land and were previously excluded from the scheme. The new benefits will come into effect from April, bringing thousands of rural labourers under the government’s welfare net.
What Has Changed Under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Earlier, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme mainly benefited land-owning farmers and registered sharecroppers. With the latest expansion:- Landless agricultural labourers are now eligible
- Each beneficiary will receive ₹4,000 annually
- The amount will be paid in two instalments of ₹2,000
- Payments will be released during the Rabi and Kharif seasons
- Funds will be credited directly to bank accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
This change ensures timely financial help during key agricultural seasons when household expenses tend to rise.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Conditions
To qualify for benefits under the expanded scheme, applicants must:- Be a permanent resident of West Bengal
- Not own any cultivable or agricultural land
- Not be registered as a sharecropper
- Be actively engaged in agricultural labour work
Only those meeting all the above criteria will be approved for assistance.
Application Process Explained
Applications will be accepted offline to ensure easy access for rural workers. The state government will conduct: - Government outreach camps
- “Duare Sarkar” and self-reliant Bengal camps at village and block levels
At these camps:
- Applicants can submit forms
- Assistant Agricultural Officers will verify documents on-site
- After approval, the benefit amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account
Documents Required for Application
Landless agricultural labourers must carry the following documents:- Aadhaar card for identity verification
- Voter ID card
- Photocopy of the first page of bank passbook
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar and bank account
- Recent passport-size colour photograph and signature
- Self-declaration stating agricultural labour status and consent to Aadhaar usage
Why This Expansion Is Important
Landless farm labourers form a large and economically vulnerable section of West Bengal’s rural population. By including them under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, the government aims to:- Provide income security during critical farming seasons
- Reduce financial stress among rural households
- Promote inclusive growth in the agricultural sector
This expansion marks a key step toward strengthening rural welfare and ensuring that government support reaches those who need it the most.
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