West Bengal's 2026-27 Budget Focuses on Welfare and Infrastructure Development

Kolkata Unveils Ambitious Budget

Kolkata, June 22: On Monday, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta introduced a budget of Rs 4.38 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, emphasizing a dual approach towards social welfare and infrastructure development driven by industry in West Bengal.

In his first budget presentation for the state's inaugural BJP government since Independence, Dasgupta assured that all current welfare initiatives would persist, with enhanced targeting to guarantee that benefits reach the intended recipients. He noted that the government is managing a substantial debt of over Rs 8.15 lakh crore.

To tackle unemployment, the Finance Minister declared plans to fill 100,000 vacant positions across various state departments, with 33% of these roles reserved for women. Specifically, 20,000 positions will be allocated to the police force, 50,000 for educators in state-run schools, and the remaining 30,000 for other sectors. Additionally, a 10% reservation for Agniveers will be implemented where applicable.

The budget for the Member of Legislative Assembly-Local Area Development (MLA-LAD) funds has been raised from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

In a move to support employees and pensioners, Dasgupta announced a significant increase in the dearness allowance from 18% to 38%, effective from October 1, 2026. Civic volunteers will also see a monthly increase of Rs 2,000.

Among the welfare initiatives, the Minister proposed financial aid for victims of political violence, the establishment of a tribal university in Jhargram with an initial fund of Rs 10 crore, and Rs 36 crore for the Annapurna Yojana, which will provide direct benefit transfers to women aged 25-60. Furthermore, the 125-day rural work scheme will be expanded to include an additional 25 lakh beneficiaries under VB G RAM G.

A one-time grant of Rs 25,000 will be available for college students preparing for competitive exams. Under the new ‘Bhorsa’ scheme, unemployed graduates will receive Rs 3,000 monthly, while others will get Rs 2,000, subject to income criteria. An allocation of Rs 3,100 crore has been set aside for Ayushman Bharat, benefiting seven crore individuals.

On the infrastructure front, Finance Minister Dasgupta announced plans for a greenfield airport in Kalyani, Nadia district, and a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar in East Midnapore, both under a public-private partnership model. Additional airports are also planned for Purulia, Malda, and Balurghat, with an expansion of the Cooch Behar airport.

“The new Greenfield Airport at Kalyani is essential to alleviate the current congestion at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. This airport will be developed on 1,500 acres, with the state government tasked with identifying suitable land. The deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar will also be established under the PPP model,” Dasgupta explained.

He further stated that the government will take necessary actions to address land acquisition issues for dedicated freight corridors connecting Dankuni to Ludhiana and Surat.

“New airports will also be constructed in Purulia, Malda, and Balurghat, while the existing airport in Cooch Behar will undergo expansion. The state government will facilitate land acquisition for the expansion of Indian Air Force bases in Hasimara, Alipurduar district, and Kalaikunda, West Midnapore district,” he added.

Dasgupta mentioned that the government will review the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act of 1976 to enhance land availability for projects and streamline investments through a single-window clearance system.

“The state government will provide full support for the revival of the struggling Calcutta Stock Exchange. All necessary approvals for investment proposals exceeding Rs 100 crore will be processed through a single-window system, ensuring a more business-friendly environment,” Dasgupta concluded.