West Bengal Budget 2025-26 by Shri Amit Saraogi, President, Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry
12th February 2025
In a statement issued to the Press, Shri Amit Saraogi, President, Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry spoke highly about the Hon’ble Chief Minister for presenting a growth oriented Budget for 2025 – 26.
While he appreciated that GSDP of State Constant Prices has increased by 6.80%, 2024-25 (1st AE), which is higher than the growth rate of India i.e. 6.37%., he also lauded the fact that all the 3 sectors viz. Agriculture, Industry and Service sectors have contributed significantly and exhibited hugher annual growth than national figures. The industry sector has registeted a growth of 7.3%, substantially higher than the national figure of 6.2%.
Agriculture income tax exemption for tea industry has extended the period till March 31, 2026. To boost agri marketing the State Government has allocated INR 200 cr. for 350 new Sufol Bangla Store.
Shri Saraogi also appreciated that the State Government has proposed to allocate INR 1, 477.91 crore for the industry and INR 4,141,82 crore for power.
West Bengal ranks 2nd highest in the number of MSMEs across the country, contributing 10% to the total share, in this Budget state has allocated INR 1,228.78 crore for MSMEs, for the year 2025–26. Allotment of 9 thousand 600 crores for Bengal Housing Project this additional amount has been allocated for an additional 16 lakh beneficiaries.
President of MCCI lauded that the State Government has allocated INR 200 crore to buy mobile phones for Asha-Anganwadi workers.
The State Government has succeeded in lowering the unemployment rate. In January 2025, while India’s unemployment rate was around 7.93%, that of West Bengal was around 4.14%.
Dearness Allowance for State Government employees will increase to 18% from 14%, effective from 1st April 2025, which would benefit the State Govt. employees, the President noted.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
