Bengal Budget: 38% DA, 1.7 Lakh Jobs, and New Airport Near Kolkata Announced
West Bengal's new Finance Minister, Swapan Dasgupta, presented the state budget today, unveiling a series of measures including a significant hike in dearness allowance for government employees, large-scale recruitment, and plans for a new airport near Kolkata.
Addressing the Assembly, Dasgupta highlighted the state's fiscal challenges, noting that the government has inherited a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore from the previous administration. He assured that all ongoing welfare schemes would continue.
The Finance Minister announced an increase in dearness allowance from 18% to 38% for state government employees, semi-government employees, teachers, and non-teaching staff. The hike, which also applies to pensioners, will take effect from October 1. 'This is in recognition of their vital role in policy implementation,' Dasgupta said.
In a major employment push, the government plans to fill 1 lakh vacant posts across various departments. Of these, 33% will be reserved for women. Additionally, 50,000 teacher positions and 20,000 police force vacancies will be filled.
On infrastructure, Dasgupta announced the construction of a new airport near Kolkata to boost connectivity and economic growth. Details on location and timeline are expected to be finalised soon.
The budget also allocates funds for healthcare, education, and rural development, though specific allocations were not detailed. The opposition criticised the debt figure, calling it an attempt to shift blame.
