Bidi-Making Sustains Women in Malda Amid Welfare Initiatives Ahead of 2026 Elections
West Bengal polls 2026: Amid welfare push, bidi work sustains women in Malda villages
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
In Malda district, West Bengal, women are actively engaged in bidi-making, a traditional livelihood, despite the government's welfare initiatives like the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme. This self-employment allows them to maintain financial independence while navigating challenges related to electoral processes.
- 01Women in Malda district are self-employed in bidi-making, independent of welfare schemes.
- 02The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme provides financial support, but many women rely on traditional livelihoods.
- 03Bidi rollers earn between ₹150 and ₹200 for every 1,000 bidis made.
- 04Local political candidates engage with women in bidi-making as part of their campaign efforts.
- 05Recent electoral roll revisions have caused disruptions affecting women's livelihoods.
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In the remote villages of Malda district, West Bengal, women are sustaining their livelihoods through bidi-making, a traditional craft that offers them financial independence. Despite the government's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, which provides ₹1,200 monthly to women, many women, like Mousamad Bibi from Debipur-Hajipur, emphasize that their primary income comes from rolling bidis at home. They earn between ₹150 and ₹200 for every 1,000 bidis produced, showcasing a blend of resilience and self-reliance. However, the recent electoral roll revisions have disrupted their work, leading to long queues and lost earnings as they navigate bureaucratic processes. Political candidates, including Sabina Yasmin from the Trinamool Congress, are seen engaging with these women to gain support ahead of the 2026 elections. The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, initiated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee five years ago, has been pivotal in securing women's votes, yet many women continue to rely on bidi-making as their primary source of income.
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The reliance on bidi-making provides women in Malda with financial independence, but recent electoral roll issues threaten their livelihoods.
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