Bhamashah Yojana: Meaning, Objective, Features, Benefits, Eligibility Criteria & Application Process Explained

The Rajasthan Government introduced Bhamashah Yojana in 2008 to financially empower the women of Rajasthan. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, this scheme promotes transparency in the transactions of government scheme benefits to women beneficiaries of the state.

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The Bhamashah Yojana ensures the transfer of non-financial and financial government scheme benefits through the bank accounts of women. Once beneficiaries open a bank account, they receive a Bhamashah Yojana card. The State Government issues it in the name of a family's female head. This card extends biometric identity and banking functions to women beneficiaries. Using this card, a beneficiary's family members can access benefits like education scholarships, loans to initiate a new business venture, etc.

As stated above, the primary objective of the Bhamashah Yojana is to ensure the financial independence of women by offering non-financial and financial benefits to them. This is also the first step in leveraging JAM – Jan, Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile, a trinity for digitising the delivery of Government services.

Take a look at the following features of this Bhamashah Yojana:

• This scheme ensures transparency as the Government benefits are transferred to a beneficiary's bank account, thus lowering the corruption rate in this state.
• It aims to benefit the needy female population of Rajasthan.
• It provided opportunities for 1.5 million women to open their bank accounts and enjoy available benefits.
• Eligible students and physically disabled individuals can also access a Bhamashah Yojana card.
• Men can pay a nominal charge of ₹ 20 or ₹ 25 to receive a Bhamashah Yojana card.

Beneficiaries can receive the following benefits under this Bhamashah Yojana:

• Maternity benefits
• Pension
• Benefits under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 
• Education scholarships 
• Health card for free of cost medical treatment 
• Loans provided to entrepreneurs
• Medical insurance provided to financially deprived applicants of Rajasthan, where the financial coverage ranges from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 3,00,000 to cover costs during medical emergencies
• Women applicants can purchase rations through the biometric system

Individuals need to meet the following parameters to apply for this Bhamashah Yojana:

• Women beneficiaries must reside in Rajasthan to access the benefits of this scheme.
• Below poverty line cardholders can also apply for this scheme.
• Students must enrol themselves in government schools and colleges to get scholarships under this scheme.

One can apply for Bhamashah Yojana through both Offline and Online mode, as follows:

How to Apply for Bhamashah Yojana Offline?

In the case of an offline application for the Bhamashah Yojana, individuals need to visit camps arranged by the State Government in each Gram Panchayat in rural areas and wards in urban areas.

How to Apply for Bhamashah Yojana Online?

Alternatively, individuals having access to an internet connection can apply online  for Bhamashah Yojana by following this step-wise guide:

Step 1: Vist the portal of 'Rajasthan Single Sign On'.

Step 2: Register or log in with existing credentials. Now, fill in a form with relevant details such as Aadhaar number, date of birth, gender and contact number.

Step 3: Next, enter the details of a family head, his or her personal information, residential address etc., after clicking on the 'Bhamashah Citizen Enrollment' option.

Step 4: After a successful application, applicants will receive a receipt number on their registered contact number. With this, the online application of this scheme is completed. 

If an applicant does not own an Aadhaar card, he or she can apply for an Aadhaar card through their nearest e-Mitra Kiosk and then apply for Bhamashah Yojana.

This is all about the Bhamashah Yojana. Knowing about it will help individuals apply for this scheme and obtain the benefits without inconvenience.