The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), West Bengal State Unit, has welcomed several key announcements made in the West Bengal Government’s Budget for the financial year 2026–27, particularly those related to education, student welfare, women’s empowerment, skill development and healthcare.
The student organisation in its press release said that the budget reflects a strong emphasis on expanding educational opportunities and strengthening infrastructure across schools, colleges and universities in the state.
Education and scholarships get a major lift
Among the key highlights, the budget has allocated ₹7,168.60 crore for the Higher Education Department and ₹44,948.21 crore for the School Education Department. ABVP said the investment could play an important role in strengthening the education sector and supporting the development of future generations.
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The organisation also welcomed the allocation of ₹100 crore for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, stating that it would help meritorious and financially disadvantaged students pursue higher education. Another notable announcement was the provision of a one-time financial assistance of ₹50,000 for female students, which ABVP believes could encourage greater participation of women in higher education.
The decision to increase the Mid-Day Meal allocation in primary schools from ₹6.72 to ₹10 per student was also appreciated, with the organisation noting its potential impact on student nutrition and school attendance.
New institutions aim to expand opportunities
ABVP expressed support for the proposal to establish a Special Tribal University in Jhargram, saying it could create new opportunities for the educational and social development of tribal communities.
The organisation also welcomed the proposal to establish new AIIMS, IIT and IIM institutions in West Bengal. According to ABVP, these institutions could strengthen the state's position in higher education and research while providing students access to nationally recognised educational opportunities within West Bengal.
The budget’s focus on skill development also received praise. ABVP highlighted the proposal to establish Skill Development Centres and provide free coaching for competitive examinations such as IIT-JEE, NEET, CAT and CA, calling it an important step towards ensuring equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
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Healthcare expansion and women’s empowerment take centre stage
In the healthcare sector, the organisation welcomed the proposal to establish medical colleges in three additional districts and increase 650 MBBS seats along with more than 450 postgraduate seats in state medical colleges. It said these measures could help expand opportunities for aspiring doctors while strengthening the healthcare system.
ABVP also termed the proposed ₹1,200 crore joint allocation by the Central and State Governments to develop Jadavpur University as an Institute of Excellence a significant initiative aimed at enhancing higher education and research infrastructure.
The allocation of ₹50 crore for cultural education colleges and universities was described as a positive step towards preserving and promoting the state's cultural heritage. The organisation further welcomed the decision to prohibit liquor shops within a one-kilometre radius of hospitals and educational institutions, calling it a measure that could help create a safer and healthier environment.
The proposal to reserve 33 per cent of government vacancies for women was also highlighted as a significant move towards women’s empowerment and greater participation in the workforce.
ABVP calls for effective implementation
Commenting on the budget, ABVP State Secretary Neelkantha Bhattacharya said, “Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad believes that if the announcements made in this budget are implemented effectively, West Bengal can achieve significant progress in education, skill development, research, women’s empowerment, and student welfare. We congratulate the State Government on these positive initiatives and hope that the announced projects will be implemented swiftly and effectively.”
The student organisation said the proposed measures have the potential to strengthen education, research, skill development and student welfare across West Bengal if implemented effectively.
