Will West Bengal Also See ₹10,000–₹20,000 Cash Transfers for Women Like Bihar?

Is the Central Government Planning a Special Scheme to Woo Women Voters in Bengal?

The National Democratic Alliance’s historic victory in the Bihar elections has dramatically altered the country’s political landscape. A record turnout of women voters in favour of the NDA — widely described as the “Lady Factor” — played a decisive role.
Along with schemes like Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao, Kanya Sumangala and Ladli Yojana, the direct transfer of ₹10,000 to women’s bank accounts is believed to have significantly influenced the electoral outcome.

Now the big question is:
Can the Bihar model be replicated in West Bengal?
Could the Centre launch a major women-centric cash assistance scheme aimed at Bengal’s crucial female electorate?

Bengal: A Challenging Yet Promising Terrain

Over the past several years, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cultivated a strong support base among women through schemes like Kanyashree, Lakshmir Bhandar and Rupashree.
This foundation is so deep that opposition parties have repeatedly struggled to breach her stronghold.

However, analysts believe that if, like Bihar, the Centre introduces a direct cash benefit scheme or a new premium centrally-funded programme, it could pose a significant political challenge to the TMC.

Is the Centre Preparing to Launch a Big Women-Focused Scheme?

Political observers indicate that in the coming months, the Union Government may announce one of several major initiatives:

1. A ‘Prime Minister Women’s Empowerment Fund’

A one-time direct transfer of ₹10,000–₹20,000 to women, particularly from poor, single or widow households.

2. A ‘Maternity Security Bonus Scheme’

Financial assistance of ₹12,000–₹15,000 for pregnant and lactating mothers — a move that would directly impact a large segment of women in West Bengal.

3. A ‘Women Entrepreneurship Promotion Programme’

Interest-free or subsidized loans along with ₹5,000–₹10,000 support for women-led micro businesses.

4. Annual Cash Transfer of ₹15,000 to Women from Poor Families

Similar to schemes in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar — direct monetary benefit that can shift voting patterns in a decisive way.

Political Implications for West Bengal

1. A Potential Breach in Mamata Banerjee’s Stronghold

With women constituting nearly 52% of Bengal’s electorate, a central scheme providing direct financial benefit may weaken the TMC’s core voter base.

2. Major Gains for the BJP

Just as women voters contributed massively to the NDA’s victory in Bihar, a cash-benefit-driven strategy may yield similar results in Bengal.

3. A Direct BJP vs. TMC Contest

Mamata Banerjee’s biggest strength is her unwavering support among women.
If this foundation shifts, the political dynamics of Bengal could be completely transformed.

The Larger Goal: Turning Bengal into ‘Another Bihar’

BJP strategists believe that gaining the trust of women voters is key to reshaping Bengal’s electoral landscape.
The Bihar experience has clearly demonstrated that:

“Win the trust of women voters, and you carve a smoother path to power.”

This model, they argue, can be effectively implemented in West Bengal as well.

Conclusion: Is the Challenge for Mamata Banerjee Set to Intensify?

According to political analysts, the Central Government may soon unveil a high-visibility, women-centric welfare scheme aimed at:

• reshaping the political mood in Bengal, and
• shifting female voter confidence toward the Centre.

If such a scheme is launched, it could pose one of the most significant challenges yet to Mamata Banerjee’s political dominance in West Bengal.