There is a sub-scheme under the ‘Umbrella Scheme’ of the West Bengal Government. This scheme is basically a pension scheme, which is known as ‘Scheduled Friends Scheme’. Through this scheme, a pension of Rs. 1,000 is provided every month to the senior citizens of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community of West Bengal. This money is directly deposited in the savings bank account of the eligible pensioner through DBT.
This scheme has been launched for the beneficiaries from April 1, 2020 and still eligible senior citizens are getting the financial benefits of this scheme. Through monthly pension, the government wants to provide financial security to senior citizens in old age. Hence, this scheme is also known as ‘Social Security Pension’.
- The Scheduled Caste (SC) Scheme is a social security pension scheme.
- A monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 is provided under this scheme.
- To avail the benefits of this scheme, the beneficiary must be a senior citizen belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community of West Bengal.
West Bengal Taposili Bandhu Scheme
The government has launched this scheme to provide financial security in old age and to enable senior citizens to live with dignity.This scheme is designed for the senior citizens of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community of West Bengal. Therefore, this scheme is also known as ‘West Bengal Scheduled Caste Old Age Pension Scheme for SC People’.To get the benefits of this scheme, the applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste and must be 60 years of age or above.And to enroll in this pension scheme, first you have to fill the application form.

| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Type | Pension Scheme |
| Pension Category | Old Age Pension |
| Monthly Pension | ₹1,000 per month |
| Official Name | Taposili Bandhu Scheme |
| Special Eligibility | People belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community |
| Age Requirement | 60 years or above |
Main Purpose of Taposili Bandhu
There are many Scheduled Caste people in the state who are financially disadvantaged and disadvantaged in various ways. The West Bengal government is trying to provide them with some financial help through this pension, so that they can meet their essential needs.After receiving this pension, the beneficiaries will be able to improve their standard of living to some extent and will be able to become financially independent in old age.
What Benefits Does the Scheme Provide?
This scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible Scheduled Caste pensioners along with other social security benefits.
- A monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 is provided to the elderly.
- To get this pension, you do not have to go to any government office or department to collect money. Because the pension money is directly deposited in your bank account every month through DBT.
- By receiving this monthly pension money, the elderly get some financial and social security.
- As a result, they can live a life with dignity without being completely dependent on others.
Who Is Eligible for Taposili Bandhu Scheme?
We know that this is an old age pension scheme. However, only the elderly who fulfill certain eligibility conditions can get the benefits of this scheme.
- Only permanent residents of West Bengal can apply for this scheme.
- This scheme is applicable only to people belonging to the Scheduled Caste community.
- The applicant should be at least 60 years of age. However, there is no upper age limit.
- To receive the pension money directly in the bank account through DBT, the applicant should have a valid bank account in his own name.
- If the applicant is taking the benefits of any other social security pension or allowance scheme, he will not be eligible for this scheme.
Check List
- West Bengal residency certificate proving your status as a permanent resident
- Proof of age document showing the full date of birth
- New documents issued by the competent authority regarding Scheduled Caste status
- Photocopy of the first page of the savings bank account showing details such as name, IFSC code, bank account number, and bank branch name
- active mobile number linked for the latest updates
- Aadhaar card for personal identification
- One passport-sized photograph
- Income certificate
What is Taposili Bandhu Scheme Application Process?
Collect Form: Eligible beneficiaries will collect the Tapashili Bandhu Scheme application form offline by visiting the Block Development Office (BDO) or Municipality Office.
Fill the Form: After collecting the application form, fill the form completely as per the information available in your documents.
Attach Documents: After filling the form, attach all the required documents with it.
Submit: Check the form and documents carefully and submit the application form to the concerned officials of the local authority.
Verification: After submitting the application form, the officials will verify the information provided by you and the documents submitted.
Approval: If your application is approved after the verification process is completed, the eligible beneficiaries will receive the pension money every month through their submitted bank accounts.
Can We Apply Through Jan Kalyan Shivir and Seva Setu?
Yes, if you face any difficulty applying for the ‘Tapasili Bandhu’ scheme, you can also apply through the ‘Jan Kalyan Shivir’ (Public Welfare Camp). These camps are likely to commence around November or December. However, there is an opportunity available to you before that. The ‘Seva Setu’ campaign will run from October 2 to October 4, 2026. This program facilitates access to benefits from various West Bengal government schemes, and officials from different departments are present at these camps.
Therefore, you can visit these camps to inquire about the ‘Tapasili Bandhu’ scheme application process. Officials will assist you in filling out and submitting the form.These ‘Jan Kalyan Shivir’ and ‘Seva Setu’ programs are primarily organized to help the state’s citizens access the benefits of various government schemes.
By participating in these camps, they can learn about various welfare schemes being run in the state and also get to know about the process of getting the benefits of those schemes on time. The government also wants to reach the beneficiaries of their various schemes. So, wait for the next ‘West Bengal Welfare Camp’ to fill the application form for the ‘Tapashili Bandhu’ scheme. But you have a chance before that, because the Seva Setu campaign will be held from October 2 to October 4, 2026.
Taposili Bandhu Scheme Track Status at Samarth Portal
- Since it is a sub-scheme of the Umbrella Scheme of West Bengal, there is also a special portal for it, i.e. Samarth Portal West Bengal.
- After submitting the form to get pension, you can check the status or track the payment using your Application ID.
- Not only Application ID, you can also track the details using your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number.
- On the Samarth portal, first select the scheme, then add the required information and fill the captcha code.
- Then go to the link and submit. Your live status will appear.
FAQs
This scheme was launched in the state on 1st April 2020.
It is an old age allowance scheme launched for people belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
An allowance of Rs. 1,000 is given per month under this scheme.
The applicant for this scheme must be 60 years of age or above.
Both men and women of 60 years of age or above, who belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, can apply.