Explore the key announcements from the historic West Bengal Budget 2026, including a massive 20% DA hike, 1 lakh job openings, and major industrial incentives.
Kolkata: West Bengal Budget 2026 was presented on June 22, 2026, by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta in the state Assembly. This marks the first full budget of the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for FY 2026-27, with a total outlay of approximately ₹4.38 lakh crore.
The budget focuses on employment generation, welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and fiscal management. Key announcements include plans to fill 1 lakh government vacancies, with 33% reservation for women, and a 20% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for state employees, teachers, and pensioners.
Under the West Bengal Budget 2026, the government allocated ₹36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana to provide financial assistance to women. Other welfare measures include free bus travel for women, support for gig workers, Ayushman Bharat cards for migrants, and enhanced allocations for ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
Infrastructure receives significant attention with proposals for a new airport near Kolkata (Kalyani), a deep-sea port in Purba Medinipur, new bridges, power projects, and establishment of an IIT and IIM in North Bengal. The budget also aims to boost industry through single-window clearances and incentives.
| Sector / Major Initiative |
Financial Outlay (INR) |
| Panchayats & Rural Development |
₹51,836.55 Crore |
| School Education Department |
₹44,948.21 Crore |
| Annapurna Yojana (Women’s Welfare) |
₹36,000.00 Crore |
| VB-GRAMG (Rural Jobs Scheme) |
₹14,000.00 Crore |
| Agriculture & Allied Sectors |
₹8,565.84 Crore |
| Industrial Framework Incentives |
₹5,000.00 Crore |
Education, health, agriculture, and heritage preservation also feature in the West Bengal Budget 2026. The government highlighted efforts toward fiscal consolidation while managing the state’s high debt burden.
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Reactions: While the ruling BJP hailed the budget as a step toward “Viksit Bengal,” opposition parties have raised concerns over certain reallocations, including reductions in minority affairs funding.
This West Bengal Budget 2026 sets the policy direction for the remainder of the financial year. For complete details, readers can refer to the official Finance Department documents.
By Tanmay 
