Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme: Apply Online, Benefits, Features

When the Covid-19 lockdown hit, millions of pregnant women and young children across Bihar suddenly lost access to the nutrition services they depended on every day. Anganwadi centres — the backbone of women and child welfare Bihar has relied on for decades — had to shut their doors. Recognising this gap, the Bihar government launched the Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme, a direct benefit transfer initiative that replaced cooked meals and dry rations with cash sent straight to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Even beyond the pandemic, the scheme stands as one of the more practical nutrition schemes India has rolled out at the state level.

If you or someone in your family is registered at an Anganwadi centre in Bihar, it helps to understand exactly what this scheme covers, who qualifies for it, and how to apply online Bihar schemes like this one through the official portal.

What Is the Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme?

The Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme, also known as the Anganwadi Labharthi Bihar programme, is run by the Department of Social Welfare under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Bihar. Its core idea is straightforward: instead of providing food and supplementary nutrition physically through Anganwadi centres, the government transfers an equivalent amount of money directly into the registered beneficiary’s bank account each month.

The Bihar beneficiary scheme was introduced as a Covid-19 emergency response, but it reflects a broader recognition that direct cash transfers can sometimes reach families more reliably than in-person distribution. Under this scheme, the government credits Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 per month (the amount varies based on applicable benefits) directly to the account of the registered household. This money is meant to compensate for the nutritious food and take-home rations (THR) that beneficiaries would otherwise receive at their Anganwadi centre.

Who Can Benefit from the Anganwadi Labharthi Bihar Scheme?

The scheme is specifically designed for people who are already enrolled at an Anganwadi centre in Bihar. If your name is not registered at a centre, you will not be able to access the benefits, which is why registration at the local Anganwadi is the first step for any eligible family.

The three main groups covered under this scheme are children between 6 months and 6 years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers (breastfeeding mothers). These groups are the primary focus of women and child welfare Bihar initiatives, and they are the ones most vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies if regular food support is interrupted. For a child enrolled at an Anganwadi, for a woman expecting a baby, or for a mother nursing a newborn, this monthly cash benefit can make a real difference in meeting daily nutritional needs.

How to Apply Online for the Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme

The online application procedure for applying the Bihar schemes in the ICDS department is not so difficult but requires caution and attention to detail. Now let’s do it step-by-step.

Step 1: Visit the Official ICDS Bihar Portal

Navigate to the official Integrated Child Development Services, Bihar website on the browser i.e. icdsonline.bih.nic.in. It is the sole official platform for the registration of Anganwadi under Anganwadi Labharthi Bihar scheme. Stay away from third party sites stating that they provide the same service, as it may not be official or secure.

Step 2: Select the Right Option on the Homepage

The option which corresponds to the direct bank transfer of the equivalent amount instead of cooked food and THR for registered Anganwadi beneficiaries is to be found on the homepage. If you see this, click on “Click here for online registration”. This will take you to the registration page.

Step 3: Fill in the Registration Form

Information to be collected in the registration form will include information about the district, block or project, panchayat and the particular Anganwadi that the beneficiary is registered in. You’ll also have to provide the Aadhaar number of the husband or wife (as the case may be) who is registering, a valid mobile phone, bank account information and a password to log on to in the future. On the beneficiary details, choose the appropriate type of beneficiary (child, pregnant woman or lactating mother) and enter information correctly.

Step 4: Declare and Submit

After the details have been completed, check the declaration box, type in the captcha, and click on the Register button. Once successful, there should be a confirmation on the registered mobile number. Please make sure to keep this confirmation in your records.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

The Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme was initially introduced as a response to the Covid-19 situation, and its continuation depends on government orders. Beneficiaries should keep checking the official ICDS Bihar portal for updates on the scheme’s status, the amount being transferred, and any changes in eligibility or documentation requirements.

It is also worth remembering that if you register under this scheme, you should stop expecting physical food distribution from the Anganwadi centre for the period the cash transfer is active. The scheme replaces that distribution, not adds to it. Anyone who registers and continues collecting rations from the centre would be receiving double benefits, which is not permitted.

If there is a problem with the bank transfer not arriving or an error in the registration, the first point of contact should be the local Anganwadi worker or the ICDS district office. The helpline details and grievance mechanism are available on the official portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme?

The scheme covers children between 6 months and 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers who are already registered at an Anganwadi centre in Bihar. Only those with an existing Anganwadi Labharthi Bihar registration can apply for this benefit.

How much money does the government transfer under this scheme?

The amount is equivalent to the value of cooked hot meals and take-home rations (THR) that would otherwise be provided at the Anganwadi centre. This generally works out to around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 per month, transferred directly to the registered bank account.

Can I register offline for this scheme?

No. Registration under the Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme is available only through the official ICDS Bihar online portal at icdsonline.bih.nic.in. No offline or paper-based registration mode is offered.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for registration?

Yes, Aadhaar is a must. The applicant’s Aadhaar number needs to be entered during registration, and the bank account provided must be linked to the Aadhaar card. Without this linkage, the direct bank transfer cannot be processed by the government.

Can both husband and wife register separately?

No. The Bihar beneficiary scheme allows only one registration per household. If both submit separate applications, both will be cancelled. The registration should be completed under either the husband’s or wife’s name, not both.

What happens if the bank transfer does not arrive?

If the transfer is delayed or does not arrive, the first step is to verify that the bank account details entered during registration were correct and that the account is Aadhaar-linked and active. You can then reach out to your local Anganwadi worker or the ICDS district office for help resolving the issue.

Final Word

The Bihar Anganwadi Labharthi Scheme is a well-thought-out step in making women and child welfare Bihar initiatives more accessible and crisis-proof. By switching from physical food distribution to direct bank transfers, it ensures that nutrition support reaches families even when Anganwadi centres cannot operate normally. If you are an Anganwadi Labharthi Bihar beneficiary and have not yet registered for this scheme, visiting the official ICDS portal and completing the online registration is the fastest way to make sure your household does not miss out on this support.