West Bengal Government Unveils First Budget for 2026-2027 with Key Initiatives
The West Bengal government has unveiled its first budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027, totaling ₹4,38,775.29 crores. Key initiatives include a significant increase in dearness allowance for state employees, financial support for women and students, and plans for new educational institutions in North Bengal. The budget also emphasizes cultural events and aims to enhance infrastructure connectivity. With a focus on welfare and development, this budget sets the stage for transformative changes in the state. Read on to explore the detailed provisions and future plans outlined by the government.
Jun 22, 2026, 14:41 IST
Overview of the Budget Presentation
The West Bengal government, led by the BJP, presented its inaugural budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027 on June 22, amounting to a net total of ₹4,38,775.29 crores. Finance Minister Swapna Dasgupta outlined various infrastructure projects and welfare schemes during the budget announcement. According to the BJP's manifesto, the government declared a 20% increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for state employees, raising the total DA to 38%. Dasgupta confirmed in the assembly that this increase will take effect from October 1.
Welfare Initiatives and Financial Support
The budget includes provisions for the Annapurna scheme, which offers ₹3,000 assistance to women and a one-time financial aid of ₹50,000 to unmarried female students to reduce dropout rates in higher education. Additionally, a monthly allowance of ₹3,000 will be provided to unemployed graduates aged 21-45, while others will receive ₹2,000. Dasgupta noted that this initiative will benefit students from families earning less than ₹1 lakh annually who are not currently receiving support from any existing social protection schemes. Retired journalists will also receive a monthly pension of ₹5,000.
Future Development Plans
In line with the BJP's manifesto, the government plans to establish an IIT and an IIM in North Bengal with assistance from the central government. Following a recent re-polling victory, a model development plan was announced for the Falta constituency. Dasgupta proposed the creation of a 'Plantation Workers Union Board' to oversee welfare schemes for tea garden workers and announced a ₹2,000 salary increase for civic volunteers, village police, and green police starting August 2026. He also mentioned that a techno-economic survey is underway to initiate metro connectivity in Durgapur, Asansol, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri.
Cultural and Spiritual Initiatives
The Finance Minister proposed transforming the Gangasagar Mela into an international spiritual and cultural festival with the help of the central government. Festivals such as Jagadhatri Puja, Tarakeshwar Mela, Baruni Mela, Ras Mela, and Jalpaesh Mela will be elevated to national-level events. Dasgupta stated that he is initiating a process to make all government systems paperless. The budget allocates ₹8,565.84 crores for agriculture, ₹2,544.48 crores for the welfare of backward classes, ₹3,035.95 crores for disaster management and civil safety, and ₹3,266.59 crores for industries, trade, and enterprises.
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