The West Bengal government on Monday presented its first full Budget for 2026-27 after the recent change in political leadership, unveiling a ₹4.38 lakh crore spending plan focused on employment generation, social welfare, women’s empowerment and large-scale infrastructure development across the state.
Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, while presenting the Budget in the state Assembly, announced a series of flagship initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and strengthening social security systems. A major highlight was the launch of the Yuva Shakti Bharosa Scheme, under which unemployed youth aged 21 to 45 will receive monthly financial assistance. Graduates will be eligible for ₹3,000 per month, while non-graduates will receive ₹2,000.
The government also announced an extensive recruitment drive to fill around one lakh vacancies across various departments. This includes 20,000 police posts and 50,000 teaching positions. Officials further stated that women will be provided 33% reservation in all new government recruitments, as part of a broader push to improve gender representation in public employment.
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In a significant welfare announcement, the Budget allocated ₹36,000 crore for the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme, under which eligible women will receive financial assistance of up to ₹3,000 per month. Additionally, ₹550 crore has been set aside to support free bus travel for women, while pregnant and lactating mothers will receive a one-time assistance of ₹21,000.
The Budget also placed strong emphasis on infrastructure expansion, including proposals for a new greenfield airport near Kalyani and additional airports in Purulia, Balurghat and Malda. Plans were also announced for the expansion of Cooch Behar airport, development of a deep-sea port in Purba Medinipur, and the establishment of North Bengal’s first IIT and IIM, aimed at boosting regional education and investment opportunities.
Other social welfare measures include a monthly pension of ₹5,000 for retired journalists and increased honorariums for ASHA workers, para-teachers and civic volunteers. The government said the Budget reflects a broader strategy to accelerate economic growth while ensuring inclusive development across urban and rural regions of West Bengal.
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