West Bengal's First BJP Budget: Rs 4.39 Lakh Crore Outlay, DA Hike, and New Airport

In its first Budget for West Bengal, the Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government presented a total allocation of Rs 4.39 lakh crore for the financial year 2026-27. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, while presenting the Budget in the Assembly on Monday, announced a 20 percentage point increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees, taking it to 38%, and recruitment for 1 lakh vacant posts. He also proposed a new greenfield airport near Kolkata.

Dasgupta stated that the new government inherited a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore from the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress administration, which was voted out last month. He assured that all existing welfare schemes would continue.

Highlighting the 'double-engine' government, Dasgupta said that central assistance to the state is expected to increase from Rs 22,069 crore to Rs 71,393 crore.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the Budget's foundation rests on five pillars: Seva Shakti, Nirmaan Shakti, Gyan Shakti, Jeeban Shakti and Shilpa Shakti. He emphasised priorities such as restoring Bengal's pride, improving law and order, enhancing citizens' dignity, creating a fearless environment, generating employment, and developing industry and agriculture.

DA and Jobs

Dasgupta announced that 1 lakh vacant posts, including for police and government teachers, would be filled, with 33% reservation for women. The DA hike, effective from October 1, will also benefit pensioners. Currently, DA stands at 18%.

The government also increased the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) amount from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore per legislator.

Infrastructure

To address passenger congestion at Kolkata airport, the state government plans to build a second greenfield airport near Kalyani, about 60 km from Kolkata. The government will identify 1,000-1,500 acres of land for the project.

Under the Centre's UDAN scheme, new airports will be developed in Purulia, Balurghat and Malda, and the existing airport in Coochbehar will be expanded.

Dasgupta also proposed a deep sea port at Dandanpatrabarh in Purba Medinipur district through a public-private partnership model. Additionally, a Bhagirathi Major Bridge connecting Kalna and Santipur was proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 71,200 crore to boost trade and socio-economic growth. Within Kolkata, a 7.41-km elevated corridor between Chingrighata and New Town was proposed with an outlay of Rs 7,900 crore.

Pensions and Welfare Schemes

The government allocated Rs 36,000 crore for the Annapurana Yojana, which replaces the TMC's Lakshmir Bhandar. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 per month. The total outlay for the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare is Rs 52,308 crore.

A new scheme was announced to provide one-time support of Rs 50,000 to girls at the time of undergraduate admissions to reduce dropout rates, with a total outlay of Rs 21,000 crore. From July 1, free bus transport for all women will be introduced at a cost of Rs 550 crore.

Pensions for the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities were increased by Rs 500 per month. Remunerations for ASHA and Anganwadi workers were also enhanced.