Minority Affairs Allocation Cut, North Bengal Development Budget Doubled in Bengal’s First BJP Budget

Kolkata: The first budget presented by the BJP government in West Bengal has introduced significant changes in sectoral allocations, including a sharp reduction in funding for the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department and a substantial increase in allocations for North Bengal’s development.

According to budget documents, the allocation for the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department has been reduced to ₹2,165 crore. In comparison, the last budget presented by the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government had earmarked ₹5,713 crore for the department.

The reduction marks a significant shift in budgetary priorities and is likely to trigger political debate, with the ruling BJP expected to argue that resources are being redistributed across broader development sectors, while opposition parties may question the impact on minority welfare and educational initiatives.

On the other hand, the North Bengal Development Department has received a major boost. The BJP government has allocated ₹1,821 crore for North Bengal development, nearly double the ₹920.13 crore allocated in the final interim budget of the previous TMC administration.

The enhanced allocation is expected to support infrastructure projects, regional connectivity, tourism promotion, economic development and public services across North Bengal districts.

Budget Comparison
Department BJP Government Budget Previous TMC Budget
Minority Affairs & Madrasa Education ₹2,165 crore ₹5,713 crore
North Bengal Development ₹1,821 crore ₹920.13 crore

The contrasting allocations highlight the BJP government’s evolving fiscal priorities, with greater emphasis on regional development initiatives while reducing expenditure on the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education portfolio.

Political reactions to these changes are expected to intensify as discussions on the state’s first BJP budget continue in the West Bengal Assembly.