The BJP government in West Bengal has presented its inaugural state budget for 2026-27, introducing significant relief measures for state employees and outlining ambitious plans for job creation. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta unveiled the budget, emphasizing fiscal discipline and transparent governance while addressing the state's inherited debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore.
Key Announcements for State Employees
One of the most anticipated announcements was a substantial increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. The budget proposes a 20 percentage point hike, raising the DA/DR to 38 percent, effective October 1. This move is designed to significantly reduce the long-standing disparity between state and central government employee allowances, a key demand of employees under the previous administration.
Ambitious Job Creation Drive
In a major push for employment, the government announced plans to fill one lakh (100,000) government vacancies in a phased manner. This recruitment drive includes:
- 20,000 positions within the state police force.
- 50,000 teaching and non-teaching roles in schools.
The budget also stipulated that 33 percent of these new jobs would be reserved for women. Furthermore, Agniveers will receive a 10 percent reservation in applicable positions. The existing five-year relaxation in the upper age limit for government recruitment will continue for the next two years.
Welfare and Social Support Initiatives
The BJP government affirmed its commitment to continuing existing welfare programs while introducing necessary reforms to ensure benefits reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
Financial Aid and Travel
- Annapurna Yojana: An allocation of Rs 36,000 crore has been made for this scheme, providing direct financial assistance to women aged 25 to 60 years.
- Free Bus Travel for Women: An additional Rs 550 crore has been earmarked to facilitate free bus travel for women, with a "Pink Card" system to be introduced shortly.
Enhanced Pensions and Honorariums
- Retired journalists will receive a monthly pension of Rs 5,000.
- Individuals who faced imprisonment in "politically motivated or false cases" will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000.
- Anganwadi and ASHA workers will see a monthly hike of Rs 5,000.
- Civic volunteers, Green Police personnel, NVF workers, Prani Bandhu, and Prani Mitra workers are slated for an additional Rs 2,000 per month starting in August.
Food Security and Rural Development
- Maa Aahar Scheme: The popular subsidized meal scheme, offering fish and rice, will be expanded with additional centers in urban areas.
- VB G-Ram-G Scheme: Allocation for this 125-day scheme has been increased, aiming to add 25 lakh new beneficiaries.
Infrastructure and Technology Development
The budget outlined several key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and economic growth:
- An elevated corridor connecting Chingrighata and New Town in Kolkata.
- Development of a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar.
- Construction of a four-lane bridge over the Mayurakshi River in Birbhum.
Studies for new metro rail projects in Durgapur, Asansol, and Siliguri were also announced. In the education and technology sectors, the government plans to establish a Tribal University in Jhargram and launch an Artificial Intelligence Mission to foster innovation and emerging technologies. Special facilities, including free charging points and drinking water, will be provided for gig workers.
Fiscal Responsibility and Governance
Finance Minister Dasgupta acknowledged the significant challenge of an inherited debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore. He pledged the government's commitment to fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and building a corruption-free administrative structure to restore public trust. The budget's vision, he stated, aligns with the national goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), balancing welfare spending, employment generation, and industrial growth.