West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on Monday presented the BJP government's first full Budget for the financial year 2026-27, outlining a mix of welfare measures, employment initiatives and industry-focused reforms.
Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Dasgupta said the government's mission was to restore Bengal's glory and build a "Viksit Bengal" as part of a "Viksit Bharat". Among the headline announcements was a 20% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees from October. With the latest hike, DA for state employees will rise from 18% to 38%.
VIDEO | West Bengal budget: State finance minister Swapan Dasgupta announces 38 per cent DA for government employees, up from the current 18 per cent. pic.twitter.com/Tdyh6AoTYD
” Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2026
The Finance Minister also announced a ₹36,000-crore allocation for the Annapurna Yojana, under which eligible women will receive ₹3,000 per month. In another major announcement for education, girl students studying in state-run and government-aided schools will receive a scholarship of ₹50,000.
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Jobs, infrastructure and industry get major push
The state government announced plans to recruit one lakh people to fill vacant posts across departments during the current financial year. Of these vacancies, 33% will be reserved for women candidates. The government will also recruit 20,000 personnel in the state police force.
To address unemployment, the government introduced the Bhorsa Karmasathi scheme, under which unemployed youth will receive ₹3,000 per month. The Budget also earmarked ₹14,000 crore for the VB-G RAM G scheme aimed at creating employment opportunities in rural Bengal.
VIDEO | West Bengal budget: State finance minister Swapan Dasgupta announces setting up tribal university, VB-GRAMG roll out and a board for tea workers. pic.twitter.com/SFHlW2IlxD
” Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2026
The government further announced a ₹5,000-crore package of incentives for industries and said investors planning projects worth more than ₹100 crore would receive faster clearances. A review of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act has also been proposed to unlock land for development and attract fresh investment.
Welfare measures target women, students and frontline workers
The Budget allocated ₹550 crore for free bus travel for women and announced the introduction of a "Pink Card" scheme. The government also increased the honorarium of ASHA workers by ₹5,000 per month, while civic volunteers and civil police personnel will receive an additional ₹2,000 every month.
Cook-cum-helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme will receive a ₹1,000 increase in honorarium. The state also announced plans to establish new women's colleges and install sanitary vending machines on college campuses.
Health and connectivity projects feature prominently
On the infrastructure front, the Finance Minister announced an integrated deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabarh in Purba Medinipur and a new greenfield airport near Kolkata at Kalyani. The government plans to allocate between 1,000 and 1,500 acres of land for the airport project.
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The healthcare sector also received a boost, with the announcement of four new medical colleges in Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Dakshin Dinajpur and Paschim Bardhaman. The government will increase MBBS seats by 650 and postgraduate medical seats by 450. A separate Ayush Department will also be established.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the Budget seeks to balance welfare commitments with employment generation and industrial growth. He added that the government's priority is to create an atmosphere conducive to investment while ensuring safety and security across the state.
The Budget marks the first full financial roadmap of the BJP government in West Bengal and signals a shift towards employment generation, infrastructure development and industrial expansion alongside welfare spending.
FAQs
Q1. How much has Dearness Allowance been increased in the West Bengal Budget 2026?
The state government has announced a 20% increase in Dearness Allowance from October, taking the DA rate from 18% to 38%.
Q2. What is the Annapurna Yojana announced in the Budget?
The Annapurna Yojana is a women-centric financial assistance scheme under which eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 per month. The government has allocated ₹36,000 crore for the programme.
