West Bengal's ₹4.06 Lakh Crore Interim Budget Unveils Major Welfare Push Ahead of 2026 Elections
With the West Bengal Assembly election 2026 approaching, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has presented a substantial ₹4.06 lakh crore interim state budget packed with significant promises aimed at bolstering welfare support for key demographic groups. The budget proposals specifically target gig workers, women, and unemployed youths, marking a strategic move to expand social security coverage and address economic vulnerabilities across the state.
Key Welfare Initiatives Announced in Bengal's Budget
The budget outlines several critical measures designed to enhance financial security and support for various sections of society. These initiatives reflect the state government's focus on inclusive growth and social protection as the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2026 polls.
- Enhanced Lakshmi Bhandar Benefits: Women beneficiaries under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will receive an additional ₹500 per month starting from February 2026, increasing their monthly financial assistance.
- Social Security for Gig Workers: In a landmark move, gig workers will be included in the state government's existing social security schemes, such as Swasthyasathi, providing them with much-needed health and welfare coverage.
- Wage Hike for Anganwadi Workers: The wages of Anganwadi workers and Anganwari Sahayaks will be increased by ₹1,000 per month from April 2026, along with a ₹5 lakh compensation for the next of kin in case of their death.
- Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme: A new scheme, Banglar Yuva Sathi, will provide a ₹1,500 monthly allowance to unemployed youths aged 21-40 years until they secure employment, with support available for up to five years. This scheme is set to launch on August 15, 2026, contingent on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) returning to power after the state elections.
- Pay Increase for Civic Volunteers: Civic volunteers and Green Police personnel will receive a ₹1,000 monthly pay hike, improving their financial stability.
- DA Hike for Government Staff: The government has announced a 4 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Bengal government employees, aligning with efforts to support public sector workers.
Mamata Banerjee's Vision and Critique of Central Government
After presenting the budget, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized that this budget is pro-people and demonstrates fiscal discipline, contrasting it with what she described as a directionless and rudderless Union Budget. She highlighted that despite financial constraints imposed by the central government, West Bengal has managed to allocate resources with a focus on women, youth, workers, and vulnerable sections.
Banerjee stated, We are number one in many schemes like 100 Days Rojgar Yojana, Awas Yojana. But the central government stopped funding for these schemes. She further explained, We present this budget for people, not focusing on the election. We kept our word. So, we announced ₹500 increment in Lakshmir Bhandar from this February. For gig workers, we will form a portal where they can apply to get benefits.
Underscoring the budget's commitment to welfare, she added, Despite the state being financially deprived by the Centre, we have brought in a pro-people budget, reinforcing the state's resolve to prioritize social security and economic support amid broader political and fiscal challenges.
