What this scheme offers
Taposili Bandhu and Jai Johar are two streams of West Bengal's social security pension family, created for older people from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. Taposili Bandhu is run by the Backward Classes Welfare Department for SC senior citizens and Jai Johar by the Tribal Development Department for ST senior citizens; both are listed at ₹1,000 a month, paid by direct bank transfer. In 2026 the new state government ordered the general social-welfare pensions — old age, widow and disability — raised from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 from 1 August 2026, and the central NSAP pensions likewise. That order does not name the SC and ST streams, so their current rate should be confirmed. Reports of a doubling to ₹2,000 came before the order and were not the notified rate.
Who is eligible
- A Scheduled Caste (Taposili Bandhu) or Scheduled Tribe (Jai Johar) person aged 60 or above.
- A resident of West Bengal holding a valid SC or ST certificate issued by a competent authority in West Bengal — certificates from other states are not accepted.
- Not already receiving another government pension.
- Some listings add a BPL or income condition — confirm with the office.
Documents required
- SC or ST caste certificate from a West Bengal authority
- Proof of age — birth certificate, school certificate or other valid document
- Aadhaar card and proof of West Bengal residence
- Bank account details (DBT)
- Photograph and Form P, the application form
How to apply
- Collect Form P from your Block Development Office, municipality or the Duare Sarkar/Bangla Sahayata Kendra, or apply through the social security portal.
- Fill in the form and attach the age proof, caste certificate and bank details.
- Submit it to the BDO or municipality; in Kolkata it goes through the KMC Commissioner.
- The application goes to the Backward Classes Welfare Department (SC) or Tribal Development Department (ST) for sanction.
- Once sanctioned, the monthly pension is paid into your bank account; ask the office whether the ₹1,500 rate applies to your stream.