West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presents the state's first full budget for FY 2026-27 in the assembly, in Kolkata on Monday. | Photo Credit: ANI
est Bengal Budget 2026 Highlights: Find the latest announcements from the West Bengal Budget 2026 on infrastructure spending, employment measures, agriculture support, industrial policy and fiscal targets.
Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said his government has inherited a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore from the previous administration, asserting that restoring fiscal discipline and public confidence in governance would be among his priorities.
“Building a corruption-free administrative structure is a cornerstone of our vision. We have to restore people’s trust in governance,” he said.
Dasgupta said DA for state government employees and DR for pensioners would be raised by 20 percentage points from October 1, taking it to 38 per cent.
The move narrows the gap between the DA received by state government employees and their central government counterparts by 22 percentage points, a politically significant announcement as government employees had long agitated over the issue under the previous regime.
Before presenting the budget, Dasgupta and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in a brief prayer ceremony in the assembly premises.
“We have prepared this budget drawing inspiration from awakened national strength,” Dasgupta said.
He announced that 1 lakh vacancies, including 20,000 posts in the police and 50,000 teaching and non-teaching positions in schools, would be filled in phases.
He said 33 per cent of the jobs would be reserved for women, while 10 per cent 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 added.
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.
Dasgupta announced an allocation of Rs 36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana, under which women in the 25-60 age group will receive direct financial assistance in their bank accounts.
The budget 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.
The government increased the MLA Local Area Development Fund from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
The budget also proposed a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for retired journalists and Rs 10,000 for persons who had spent time in jail due to what the government described as politically motivated or false cases.
Among welfare measures, the government announced a monthly hike of Rs 5,000 for anganwadi and ASHA workers.
Civic volunteers, Green Police personnel, NVF workers, Prani Bandhu and Prani Mitra workers will receive an additional Rs 2,000 per month from August.
The budget proposed expanding the state’s subsidised meal programme by opening additional Maa Aahar centres in urban areas, where meals including fish and rice would be available at nominal rates.
The government also increased allocations for the 125-day VB G-Ram-G scheme and announced the addition of 25 lakh new beneficiaries.
The budget also proposed an elevated corridor between Chingrighata and New Town in Kolkata, a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar, a four-lane bridge over the Mayurakshi river in Birbhum and a study for metro rail projects in Durgapur, Asansol and Siliguri.
A Tribal University will be established in Jhargram, while an Artificial Intelligence Mission will be launched to promote emerging technologies and innovation in the state, Dasgupta said.
He said special facilities, including free charging points and drinking water arrangements, will be created for gig workers.
Dasgupta said the government’s 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.
- June 22, 2026 17:04
WB budget proposes listing of profitable state PSUs on stock exchanges
In the past, the state finance department officials indicated that around 20 profitable state PSUs existed across various sectors.
While the budget did not identify specific companies for listing, officials said state-owned entities and joint ventures operating in sectors such as power, infrastructure, electronics, industrial development and renewable energy could be considered for public offerings after detailed evaluation.
The budget also announced support for the revival of the century-old Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE), which the government said could help improve access to capital for enterprises in eastern India.
- June 22, 2026 16:54
Bengal budget bets on ports, logistics, defence hubs; proposes anti-syndicate law to spur investment
Among the marquee industrial proposals are a semiconductor manufacturing unit in the Panagarh-Durgapur region and defence manufacturing hubs at Gangajalghati in Bankura and Sainthia in Birbhum. The government also proposed incentives for private industrial parks and announced plans to formulate a Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy to attract multinational corporations and high-value service operations.
In a major push to entrepreneurship and innovation, the government will launch a startup policy within three months, backed by a Rs 40 crore incubation fund and a Rs 60 crore venture capital fund. A Rs 50 crore Chief Minister’s Science and Technology Talent Attraction Fund has also been proposed to support research, innovation and deep-tech ventures.
The budget announcements also include the Banglar Udyam Credit Card scheme with an allocation of Rs 200 crore to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh each to around two lakh youths seeking to start enterprises.
- June 22, 2026 16:17
Budget of development and legacy, covers every segment: Bengal CM
He said that the over Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget proposal has been placed in the West Bengal Assembly during the day, despite a funds crunch and debt burden.
“This is a budget of ‘vikas and virasat’ (development and legacy),” Adhikari told a press conference, flanked by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, following presentation of the budget proposals for 2026-27.
He said that the BJP government has only been able to present a budget for the remaining eight months of the fiscal, with the previous Mamata Banerjee dispensation earlier presenting a vote on account for the first four months of 2026-27 owing to the April assembly polls.
- June 22, 2026 15:55
Cabinet Minister for Finance, Swapan Dasgupta
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- June 22, 2026 15:48
Budget reaction from Mr. Taranjit Singh, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Eastern Region
“We welcome the first Budget of the new State government and appreciate its emphasis on laying a clear roadmap for accelerating economic growth through infrastructure development, enhanced revenue mobilization, and improved public service delivery. The Finance Minister’s articulation of the state’s development agenda in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat reflects a constructive approach towards fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Budget’s focus on strengthening revenue collection mechanisms while maintaining momentum in capital expenditure is a positive signal for investors and industry. Continued investments in physical infrastructure, connectivity, urban development, logistics, and social infrastructure will not only improve ease of doing business but also create a strong foundation for long-term economic expansion across the state.
We are particularly encouraged by the government’s commitment to leveraging infrastructure-led growth as a catalyst for attracting investments, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness of West Bengal as a preferred investment destination in eastern India. West Bengal occupies a strategic position as the gateway to eastern and northeastern India and enjoys significant advantages in terms of market access, skilled manpower, ports, mineral resources, and industrial infrastructure. As the state seeks to deepen its industrial and economic footprint, sustained collaboration between government and industry will be critical to unlocking new opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, MSMEs, services, and emerging sectors.
ASSOCHAM looks forward to partnering with the Government of West Bengal in supporting its development priorities and contributing to the shared objective of building a prosperous, resilient, and future-ready economy in line with the national aspiration of a developed India by 2047.”
- June 22, 2026 15:47
Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group shared his thoughts post the announcement of the West Bengal State Budget
“What is particularly encouraging about this Budget is that it looks at growth as an ecosystem rather than a collection of individual initiatives. Investments in regional connectivity through new airports and infrastructure, the focus on education and healthcare capacity, the proposed industrial development initiatives, and the emphasis on employment generation together have the potential to expand economic activity well beyond the traditional growth centres of the state. If implemented effectively, these measures can help unlock new aspirations, attract investment and create a broader growth narrative for West Bengal”
- June 22, 2026 15:42
FICCI take on the West Bengal Budget
FICCI welcomes the State Budget’s strong focus on industrial growth, investment promotion and employment generation. The proposed West Bengal Investment Promotion Framework, backed by an allocation of ₹5,000 crore, is a significant step towards attracting investments across MSMEs and large industries, including emerging sectors - Mr Prashant Bangur, Chairman, FICCI West Bengal State Council, Vice Chairman, Shree Cement Ltd.
- June 22, 2026 15:41
Budget reaction from MCCI
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- June 22, 2026 15:07
Bengal budget proposes five new districts, AIIMS in north Bengal, expansion of health infrastructure
Bengal budget proposes five new districts, AIIMS in north Bengal, expansion of health infrastructure
The proposed districts -- Kolkata, Basirhat, Sundarban, Jangipur and Arambagh -- are being created for administrative convenience and security-related requirements, says the State Finance Minister
- June 22, 2026 14:51
Annapurna Yojana gets ₹36,000 crore in Bengal budget; beneficiary count falls to 1 crore
Annapurna Yojana gets ₹36,000 crore in Bengal budget; beneficiary count falls to 1 crore
Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced the allocation while presenting the 2026-27 budget in the Assembly, describing the scheme as a major component of the government's welfare agenda
- June 22, 2026 14:46
In first budget, Bengal's BJP govt announces DA hike for its employees, 1 lakh recruitments
In first budget, Bengal's BJP govt announces DA hike for its employees, 1 lakh recruitments
The move narrows the gap between the DA received by state government employees and their central government counterparts by 22 percentage points
- June 22, 2026 14:45
Bengal govt to 're-examine' urban land ceiling Act to unlock investment potential: FM
Bengal govt to 're-examine' urban land ceiling Act to unlock investment potential: FM
The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act was enacted by the Centre in 1976 to prevent concentration of urban land in the hands of a few and to promote equitable distribution of land in urban areas
- June 22, 2026 14:36
Budget projects lower deficits for West Bengal
In this Budget, the revenue deficit as a percentage of GSDP is projected to be 1.02% (down from the revised 2025-26 figure of 2.07%); the fiscal deficit as a percentage of GSDP will be 2.91% (down from 3.40%); and the debt stock as percentage of GSDP is projected to be 37.98% (down from 38.29%).
- June 22, 2026 14:18
History of urban land ceiling law and its eventual repeal
The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act was enacted by the Centre in 1976 to prevent concentration of urban land in the hands of a few and to promote equitable distribution of land in urban areas. The law imposed a ceiling on urban land holdings and empowered governments to acquire excess land.
However, the Centre repealed the Act through the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Repeal Act, 1999, allowing states to adopt the repeal. Most states subsequently scrapped the legislation, arguing that it had constrained urban development and investments. (PTI)
- June 22, 2026 14:12
Bengal govt to 're-examine' urban land ceiling Act to unlock investment potential: FM
The West Bengal government on Monday announced that it would ‘re-examine’ the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976, with Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta describing the legislation as a major bottleneck to attracting large-scale investments in the state.
The announcement assumes significance as industry bodies and investors have long argued that restrictions on urban land holdings limit the availability of large contiguous land parcels required for industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects. (PTI)
- June 22, 2026 14:08
"Within 6-8 months, West Bengal will start getting benefits from this all-inclusive Budget," says Chief Minister
- June 22, 2026 14:07
Government will provide subsidy of Rs 2 per unit for electricity to be used for agriculture. Government has allocated Rs 800 crore for it
- June 22, 2026 13:52
Companies which will invest over Rs 100 crore will not have to seek clearances from local bodies
- June 22, 2026 13:52
The government has allocated Rs 5000 crore for giving incentives to industries which will invest in prioritised sectors
- June 22, 2026 13:45
"This Budget is all inclusive. I don't think the Opposition will have anything to criticise it," says Chief Minister Adhikari
- June 22, 2026 13:41
'Budget to prioritise and support industries'
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said through this Budget that the government has prioritized industry, agriculture, job creation, education and health. He added that 1 lakh jobs will be created this fiscal year.
FM said the government has altered the state policies to support industries and business communities and reinstated West Bengal in the country’s map
- June 22, 2026 13:26
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Professional tax relief for BSF and CRPF jawans, says FM Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 13:24
Government wants to develop Darjeeling as a major eco-adventure tourism destination
- June 22, 2026 13:18
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: The government will bring new law to protect industries and businesses from cut money and syndicate raj
- June 22, 2026 13:17
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Government proposed the support to revival of Calcutta Stock Exchange
- June 22, 2026 13:14
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Urban land ceiling act will be reexamined to attract fresh investment.
- June 22, 2026 13:14
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Government want to develop Siliguri as a major industrial hub. Semiconductor unit will be developed in Durgapur
- June 22, 2026 13:10
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Industrial corridor, clusters and parks will be developed across State. ₹5,000 crore budgetary support for it
- June 22, 2026 13:05
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: For farmers, government will provide ₹200 over MSP in Kharif season. For raising income of mango farmers, government will give necessary support
- June 22, 2026 12:57
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Development of Sundarbans with support of Asian Development Bank. 60-km dam reconstruction in Sundarbans with support of ₹1,000 crore
- June 22, 2026 12:57
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: New 5 local medical hubs for putting Bengal as an important health tourism destination
- June 22, 2026 12:54
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: New Ayush Department in West Bengal government. For that new hiring will be carried out
- June 22, 2026 12:50
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Swami Vivekananda scholarship for meritorious students in Bengal
- June 22, 2026 12:48
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Mid-day meal for schools in Kolkata with support from ISKON
- June 22, 2026 12:47
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: New women's college across state will be set up along with a new sports University. A new stadium in North Bengal will be built
- June 22, 2026 12:46
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: On education, schools will be upgraded, infrastructure will be developed under Central schemes. For this ₹2,100 crore is allocated. IIT and IIM in North Bengal
- June 22, 2026 12:36
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Techno Economic Survey to be conducted for Metro services between Jalpaiguri and Siliguri in North Bengal along with a greenfield airport in Kolkata
- June 22, 2026 12:32
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: For infrastructure development in tier II and tier III cities, Central government schemes will be implemented
- June 22, 2026 12:30
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Welfare board for gig workers. They will get free drinking water
- June 22, 2026 12:25
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: ₹14,000 crore budgetary allocation for GRAMG scheme in Bengal
- June 22, 2026 12:24
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Budget allocation of ₹550 crore for free bus service for women. The government will issue pink cards for this free service
- June 22, 2026 12:22
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Budget allocation for Annapurna scheme around ₹36,000 lakh crore
- June 22, 2026 12:21
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: 20% DA for state government employees, Total DA will be 38%. It will be implemented from April 1, 2026, says FM Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 12:20
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Remuneration increase for state bus conductors and civic volunteers. ₹5,000 monthly pension for retired journalists
- June 22, 2026 12:16
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: State to auction all mines through e-auction of Central government
- June 22, 2026 12:13
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: 1 lakh vacant post will be filled up in state government jobs, of which 33% will be for women, says FM Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 12:12
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: There will be new fire brigade stations across the state, says FM Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 12:12
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: We want to develop a corruption free structure, says FM Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 12:08
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: All the welfare schemes prevailing in the state will continue, says FM Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 12:06
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Our work is a mission to restore West Bengal's pride and push it for accelerated growth, says State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta
- June 22, 2026 12:05
West Bengal Budget Live Updates: Swapan Dasgupta started presenting the Budget
- June 22, 2026 12:03
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta performed Puja on the occasion of State Budget for 2026-27 to be presented in the Assembly this afternoon
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- June 22, 2026 11:33
New Bengal government to bring visible industrial reforms within 100 days: BJP
The BJP government in West Bengal will introduce a comprehensive land policy and a new data policy to bring a visible change to the industrial environment within 100 days of taking office, State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said on Monday. Read more here
- June 22, 2026 11:29
Govt to bring Tatas back to Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Govt to bring Tatas back to Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vows to bring the Tata Group back, ensuring balanced industrial growth and farmers' rights.
- June 22, 2026 11:28
Industry bodies urge incentives to attract investments in Bengal
Leading industry bodies like CII and ASSOCHAM say Bengal should consider fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to key industries, prioritise plug-and-play industrial ecosystems, and leverage its inherent strengths in industry, logistics, and natural resources to attract major investments and create jobs.
- June 22, 2026 11:27
Optimistic about Bengal Budget, industries expect it to lay out clear roadmap for accelerating economic growth
With West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta set to present the first Budget of the new BJP government on Monday, industry bodies and companies are genuinely optimistic, expecting it to be growth-oriented and lay out a clear roadmap for accelerating the State’s economic growth.
Optimistic about Bengal Budget, industries expect it to lay out clear roadmap for accelerating economic growth
Bengal's upcoming Budget is anticipated to create a roadmap for economic growth, attracting investments and enhancing industrial competitiveness.
- June 22, 2026 11:25
West Bengal cabinet approves "Annapurna Bhandar" scheme for women from June, gives in-principle approval for formation of 7th Pay Commission
West Bengal cabinet approves "Annapurna Bhandar" scheme for women from June, gives in-principle approval for formation of 7th Pay Commission
West Bengal's cabinet approves the "Annapurna Bhandar" scheme for women and plans for the 7th Pay Commission.
- June 22, 2026 11:23
Historic BJP win in Bengal sparks industry hopes of reforms, investments, jobs
After the Bharatiya Janata Party’s historic election win in West Bengal, industry captains of the State believe the new BJP government will usher in a business-friendly environment, which will draw big-ticket investment and create major job opportunities for youth.
Historic BJP win in Bengal sparks industry hopes of reforms, investments, jobs
BJP's historic win in Bengal ignites optimism for reforms, investments, and job creation under a double-engine governance model.
- June 22, 2026 11:21
West Bengal FM Swapan Dasgupta meets Nirmala Sitharaman, Ashok Lahiri ahead of State Budget
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on Wednesday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and NITI Aayog vice-chairman Ashok Lahiri ahead of next week’s State Budget.
West Bengal FM Swapan Dasgupta meets Nirmala Sitharaman, Ashok Lahiri ahead of State Budget
West Bengal FM Swapan Dasgupta meets Nirmala Sitharaman and Ashok Lahiri for pre-Budget consultations ahead of the State Budget.
Published on June 22, 2026
