West Bengal Budget: DA hike, 1 lakh jobs, Rs 36,000 crore for women's cash transfer

Presenting the budget in the assembly, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta said the government had inherited a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore but would focus on restoring fiscal discipline while continuing welfare programmes.

The BJP government in West Bengal unveiled its first budget on Monday, combining welfare spending with employment promises as it announced a 20 percentage point hike in dearness allowance (DA), recruitment to 1 lakh government posts and a Rs 36,000-crore allocation for a direct cash transfer scheme for women. Presenting the budget in the assembly, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta said the government had inherited a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore but would focus on restoring fiscal discipline while continuing welfare programmes, PTI reported. "Building a corruption-free administrative structure is a cornerstone of our vision. We have to restore people's trust in governance," Dasgupta said.

DA raised to 38%, 1 lakh government jobs announced

In a move that give relief to state employees, the government announced a 20 percentage point increase in DA for employees and dearness relief (DR) for pensioners from October 1, taking the rate to 38%. The hike narrows the gap between the DA received by state government employees and their central government counterparts by 22 percentage points, an issue that had triggered prolonged protests under the previous regime. The government also announced that 1 lakh vacancies would be filled in phases, including 20,000 positions in the police force and 50,000 teaching and non-teaching posts in schools. Dasgupta said 33% of the jobs would be reserved for women, while 10% reservation would be provided for Agniveers wherever applicable. "The upper age limit for government recruitment, already relaxed by five years, would continue for the next two years," he said, PTI quoted.

Rs 36,000 crore for women-focused Annapurna Yojana

The biggest welfare allocation in the budget was for the Annapurna Yojana, which received an outlay of Rs 36,000 crore. Under the scheme, women in the 25-60 age group will receive direct financial assistance in their bank accounts. The government also earmarked Rs 550 crore for free bus travel for women. "A 'Pink Card' system will be introduced shortly for availing the benefit," the minister said. Dasgupta said all existing social welfare schemes would continue. "Our objective is to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the weakest sections of society. Necessary reforms will be undertaken wherever required," he said.

Pension for journalists, support for frontline workers

The budget proposed a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for retired journalists and Rs 10,000 for individuals who spent time in jail due to what the government described as politically motivated or false cases. Anganwadi and ASHA workers will receive a monthly increase of Rs 5,000, while civic volunteers, Green Police personnel, NVF workers, Prani Bandhu and Prani Mitra workers will get an additional Rs 2,000 per month from August. The government also increased the MLA Local Area Development Fund from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

Infrastructure push and AI mission

The budget outlined a series of infrastructure projects, including an elevated corridor connecting Chingrighata and New Town in Kolkata, a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar and a four-lane bridge over the Mayurakshi river in Birbhum. It also proposed studies for metro rail projects in Durgapur, Asansol and Siliguri. A Tribal University will be set up in Jhargram, while an Artificial Intelligence Mission will be launched to promote emerging technologies and innovation. The government also announced special facilities for gig workers, including free charging points and drinking water arrangements.

Welfare, jobs and growth

Dasgupta said the government's development vision was aligned with the national goal of Viksit Bharat. "People expect transparency about the state's finances. We have to maintain a balance while creating opportunities for employment, industrial growth and a modern, progressive Bengal," he said. Before presenting the budget, Dasgupta and chief minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in a brief prayer ceremony at the assembly premises. "We have prepared this budget drawing inspiration from awakened national strength," Dasgupta said.