West Bengal’s Finance Minister, Swapan Dasgupta, introduced a budget of Rs 4.38 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, emphasizing social welfare and industry-driven infrastructure development. This marks the first budget presentation by the state’s BJP government post-independence. The budget prioritizes the continuation of existing welfare programs with enhanced targeting to ensure genuine beneficiaries receive benefits.
Addressing unemployment concerns, Dasgupta proposed filling one lakh vacant positions across various state government departments, with 33% reserved for women. The new posts include 20,000 for the police department, 50,000 for teaching roles in state schools, and 30,000 for other departments. Additionally, a 10% reservation for Agniveers will be implemented where needed.
The budget also raises the allocation for Member of Legislative Assembly-Local Area Development (MLA-LAD) funds from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore. To benefit employees and pensioners, a 20 percentage point increase in dearness allowance, from 18% to 38%, effective October 1, 2026, was announced. Civic volunteers are set to receive a monthly raise of Rs 2,000.
In a bid to support 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, providing direct benefit transfers to women aged 25-60. Moreover, an expansion of the 125-day rural work scheme is planned, benefiting an additional 25 lakh individuals under VB G RAM G.
Under the new ‘Bhorsa’ scheme, college students preparing for competitive exams will receive a one-time grant of Rs 25,000. Unemployed graduates will be granted Rs 3,000 per month, while others will receive Rs 2,000, subject to income criteria. Furthermore, Rs 3,100 crore has been earmarked for Ayushman Bharat, catering to seven crore beneficiaries.
On the infrastructure front, Dasgupta announced the development of a greenfield airport in Kalyani, Nadia district, and a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar in East Midnapore under a PPP model. Plans also include additional airports in Purulia, Malda, and Balurghat, along with the expansion of the Cooch Behar airport.
The government aims to address land acquisition challenges for dedicated freight corridors linking Dankuni with Ludhiana and Surat. Additionally, efforts will be made to review the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976, to enhance land availability for projects and streamline investments through a single-window clearance system. The government pledges support for the revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange and promises a hassle-free clearance process for investment proposals exceeding Rs 100 crore.
