Bengal BJP Government’s First Budget Focuses on DA Hike, Jobs and Welfare Continuity

Kolkata: In its maiden budget after assuming power in West Bengal, the BJP government unveiled a mix of employee benefits, welfare commitments and employment generation measures, while emphasizing fiscal discipline amid a substantial inherited debt burden.

Presenting the 2026-27 Budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced a 20 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners. The revised DA and Dearness Relief will come into effect from October 1, 2026, raising the total DA to 38 per cent.

One Lakh Government Jobs Planned

In a major employment initiative, the government pledged to fill one lakh vacancies across various departments in a phased manner. One-third of these positions will be reserved for women, reflecting the administration’s focus on enhancing female participation in public service.

Welfare Schemes to Continue

Addressing concerns over the future of social welfare programmes, the Finance Minister announced that all existing welfare schemes would continue under the new government.

A significant allocation of ₹36,000 crore was made for the Annapurna Yojana, one of the government’s flagship social initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society.

Free Bus Travel for Women

To strengthen women-centric welfare measures, the government earmarked ₹550 crore for free bus travel for women across the state. A dedicated “Pink Card” system will be introduced to facilitate the implementation of the scheme.

Focus on Fiscal Discipline

The Finance Minister stated that the new administration inherited a debt burden of approximately ₹8.15 lakh crore from the previous government. Despite maintaining welfare commitments, he stressed that fiscal prudence and responsible financial management would remain key priorities.

Enhanced Funds for MLAs

In a move benefiting legislators across party lines, the annual allocation under the MLA Local Area Development Fund has been increased from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore, enabling elected representatives to undertake more development projects in their constituencies.

Support for Journalists and Political Prisoners

The budget also introduced targeted social security measures:

Retired journalists will receive a monthly pension of ₹5,000.
Individuals who were imprisoned for political reasons will be provided a monthly pension of ₹10,000.
Key Budget Highlights
20% hike in DA for state employees and pensioners
Total DA rises to 38% from October 1
One lakh government jobs to be filled in phases
One-third of vacancies reserved for women
₹36,000 crore allocated for Annapurna Yojana
₹550 crore earmarked for free bus travel for women
Pink Card system to be introduced
MLA Local Area Development Fund increased to ₹1 crore
₹5,000 monthly pension for retired journalists
₹10,000 monthly pension for political prisoners
Fiscal discipline prioritized despite ₹8.15 lakh crore debt burden

The budget reflects the BJP government’s attempt to combine welfare continuity, employment generation and fiscal management while outlining its governance priorities for West Bengal’s first full financial year under the new administration.