West Bengal Budget 2026: Key Highlights, Major Announcements, Allocations and Impact

West Bengal Budget 2026

West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented the BJP government’s first full Budget for FY 2026-27 in the State Assembly on June 22, 2026. The Budget focuses on employment generation, women’s empowerment, infrastructure development, healthcare expansion, industrial revival, and fiscal consolidation under the vision of “Viksit Bangla, Viksit Bharat.”

The Budget announced one lakh government jobs, a 33% reservation for women in recruitment, a major hike in Dearness Allowance (DA), new infrastructure projects including an airport near Kolkata and a deep-sea port, along with enhanced allocations for welfare schemes and healthcare.

West Bengal Budget 2026 Overview

Major Highlights of West Bengal Budget 2026

1. One Lakh Government Jobs

The government announced the recruitment of one lakh candidates across various departments. Out of these vacancies, 33% will be reserved for women candidates. The government also plans to fill 20,000 vacancies in the state police force.

2. Dearness Allowance Increased to 38%

The Finance Minister announced an additional 20% Dearness Allowance over the existing 18%, taking the total DA for state government employees to 38% from October 1, 2026.

3. ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Unemployed Youth

Under the Bhorsa Karmasathi Scheme, unemployed youth will receive financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month to support their livelihood and skill development.

Women Welfare Announcements

Annapurna Yojana

The government allocated ₹36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana, which has replaced the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.

Free Bus Travel for Women

An allocation of ₹550 crore has been made for free bus services for women. The government will also introduce a Pink Card for women beneficiaries.

Scholarships for Girls

• ₹50,000 scholarship for girl students studying in government and government-aided institutions.
• ₹50,000 one-time support for unmarried female students in colleges.
• Installation of sanitary vending machines in colleges.

Infrastructure Development

New Airport Near Kolkata

The government announced plans to establish a greenfield airport near Kalyani. Around 1,000 to 1,500 acres of land will be identified for the project to reduce congestion at Kolkata Airport.

Deep-Sea Port in Purba Medinipur

An integrated deep-sea port will be developed at Dadanpatrabar in Purba Medinipur to boost trade, logistics, and maritime infrastructure.

Metro Expansion Survey

The government will conduct feasibility studies for metro rail connectivity in:

• Durgapur
• Asansol
• Siliguri

Sports Infrastructure

Mini indoor stadiums will be constructed in all Assembly constituencies across the state.

Education Sector Initiatives

The Budget announced several measures aimed at improving educational infrastructure and access:

• Proposal for establishing an IIT and an IIM in North Bengal.
• Land allocation for Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• Establishment of new women’s colleges.
• Financial assistance of ₹30,000 for students studying in government and government-aided colleges.

Healthcare Announcements

Four New Medical Colleges

New medical colleges will be established in:

• Alipurduar
• Kalimpong
• Dakshin Dinajpur
• Paschim Bardhaman

Expansion of Medical Education

• 650 additional MBBS seats.
• 450 additional postgraduate medical seats.

New AYUSH Department

A separate AYUSH Department will be created to strengthen traditional healthcare systems in the state.

Welfare and Rural Development Measures

The government announced:

• ₹14,000 crore allocation for the VB-G RAM G employment scheme.
• Increase in employment opportunities equivalent to 125 days of work.
• Welfare Board for gig workers.
• Ayushman Bharat coverage for migrant workers.
• Additional PM Awas benefits for 25 lakh people.

Salary Hikes for Frontline Workers

Industrial and Economic Reforms

To improve the investment climate, the government announced:

• Review of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976.
• Revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange.
• Measures to attract private investment and industrial growth.

Fiscal Challenges

West Bengal continues to face a significant fiscal burden.

• Outstanding debt exceeds ₹7.5 lakh crore.
• Debt-to-GSDP ratio stands at approximately 38%.
• Annual interest payments are estimated at nearly ₹49,000 crore.

The government stated that it aims to balance welfare spending with fiscal consolidation and revenue generation.

West Bengal Budget 2026: Key Takeaways

The West Bengal Budget 2026 reflects a strategic shift toward employment generation, infrastructure development, industrial growth, and targeted welfare spending. With major announcements such as one lakh government jobs, a new airport near Kolkata, expansion of healthcare infrastructure, enhanced support for women, and investment-friendly reforms, the Budget seeks to accelerate economic growth while addressing the state’s fiscal challenges.

For UPSC and State PSC aspirants, the Budget is important for topics related to fiscal policy, state finances, social sector expenditure, women empowerment, healthcare, employment generation, and cooperative federalism.

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