Presenting a budget worth ₹4.38 lakh crore, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced one lakh government jobs, a 33% reservation for women in government recruitment and a 20% increase in dearness allowance, taking the total DA to 38%. The government also unveiled industrial incentives worth ₹5,000 crore while promising major infrastructure projects, including a greenfield airport near Kolkata and a deep-sea port in Purba Medinipur.
₹4.38 lakh crore budget promises one lakh jobs, higher DA and welfare expansion
The welfare component remained equally prominent. The state allocated ₹36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana and ₹550 crore for the all-women free bus service. It also proposed support measures for gig workers, an increase in MGNREGA workdays from 100 to 125 days and a hike in MLA development funds from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Education and social welfare emerged as key focus areas. The Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department received the highest allocation at ₹52,308.50 crore, followed by Panchayats and Rural Development at ₹51,836.55 crore and School Education at ₹44,948.21 crore. Students of government and government-aided colleges will also receive financial assistance of ₹30,000, while unmarried girl students in such institutions are set to receive one-time support of ₹50,000.
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The budget's infrastructure push found strong backing from industry leaders at CII, who described it as a roadmap for investment-led growth.
Greenfield airport, deep-sea port and industrial incentives anchor infrastructure push
Mr Mehul Mohanka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Managing Director & Group CEO, Tega Industries Ltd., said, “The West Bengal State Budget 2026–27 presents a forward-looking roadmap for infrastructure-led growth and industrial competitiveness." He particularly welcomed plans for metro rail expansion, the proposed greenfield airport near Kalyani and the deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar, saying these initiatives could significantly strengthen the state's logistics ecosystem and export competitiveness.
Another industry leader at CII, Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Managing Director, Luxmi Group, highlighted the government's focus on North Bengal. “The Budget's emphasis on North Bengal is particularly encouraging," he said, pointing to the proposed IIT, IIM, IT Park, airport expansion and improved connectivity as potential growth drivers for the region.
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CII leaders back investment-led growth, healthcare expansion and North Bengal development initiative
Healthcare also emerged as a major talking point. Mr Rupak Barua, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and Managing Director & CEO, Woodlands Hospital, said, “The West Bengal State Budget 2026–27 deserves appreciation for placing inclusive healthcare at the centre of public policy." He welcomed the ₹3,100 crore allocation for Ayushman Bharat, along with plans for an AIIMS, a dedicated cancer hospital in North Bengal and additional MBBS seats across government medical colleges.
Industry leaders at CII also praised the state's logistics and manufacturing vision. Mr Prithish Chowdhary of Titagarh Rail Systems noted that investments in freight corridors, industrial corridors and manufacturing hubs would strengthen West Bengal's position as a manufacturing and export hub. Similarly, Mr Sushil Dugar of Balmer Lawrie described the budget as “a positive and forward-looking one", citing logistics parks and industrial growth centres across Durgapur, Haldia, Dankuni and North Bengal.
