The West Bengal government on Monday unveiled a wide-ranging budget for 2026-27, announcing major investments in infrastructure, employment generation, healthcare, education and social welfare programmes.
Presenting the budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta outlined a series of initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, improving public services and expanding welfare coverage across the state.
Key Takeaways
- ₹900 crore elevated corridor planned between Chingri Ghata and New Town.
- New airport planned in Kalyani; airports proposed in Purulia, Malda and Balurghat.
- Provision made for 1 lakh government jobs.
- One-third of government vacancies reserved for women.
- ₹36,000 crore allocated for Annapurna Yojana.
- ₹3,100 crore earmarked for Ayushman Bharat implementation.
- Semiconductor manufacturing unit proposed in Durgapur.
- AIIMS, IIT and IIM proposed for North Bengal.
- ₹550 crore allocated for free bus travel for women.
- Tribal University to be established in Jhargram.
- Two women battalions to be raised in the State Reserve Force.
- Durga Shakti Dal to be launched for women’s safety.
- New medical college hospitals proposed in multiple districts.
- Government employees to receive a Dearness Allowance increase from October 1.
- Pension and remuneration benefits enhanced for several categories of workers.
Infrastructure and connectivity projects
Among the major infrastructure announcements was a ₹900 crore elevated corridor between Chingri Ghata and New Town to improve urban connectivity in the Kolkata metropolitan region.
The government also announced that land acquisition has begun for a new airport in Kalyaniwhile additional airports have been proposed in Purulia, Balurghat and Malda. Expansion of Cooch Behar Airport is also planned.
A new terminal has been proposed at Shalimar-Garden Reachwhile ₹100 crore has been allocated for jetty infrastructure development.
Employment and reservation measures
The budget provides for one lakh government jobsincluding 50,000 positions in the education sector and 20,000 in the police department. The upper age limit for government recruitment will be increased by two years.
The government also announced that one-third of all government vacancies will be reserved for womenwhile 10% reservation in government jobs will be provided to Agniveers.
Welfare and social security initiatives
A major allocation of ₹36,000 crore has been made for Annapurna Yojanaone of the state’s flagship welfare programmes.
The budget also includes ₹550 crore for free bus travel for womena ₹21,000 financial assistance scheme for pregnant womenand a ₹10,000 monthly pension for Emergency-era political detainees.
Retired journalists will receive a monthly pension of ₹5,000while the annual development fund for MLAs has been increased from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Education and healthcare focus
The government announced plans to establish a Tribal University in Jhargramwith ₹10 crore allocated this yearand proposed setting up AIIMS, IIT and IIM institutions in North Bengal.
All primary schools will be equipped with fans and water purification systemswhile para-teachers will receive a ₹5,000 pay hike and mid-day meal cooks will get an additional ₹1,000 honorarium.
The budget earmarks ₹3,100 crore for Ayushman Bharat implementation and proposes new medical college hospitals in Alipurduar and other districts.
Technology and women’s safety
The government proposed establishing a semiconductor manufacturing unit in Durgapur and announced plans to launch Durga Shakti Dal to strengthen women’s safety in urban areas.
A separate AYUSH Department will be created, while sanitary vending machines will be installed in all colleges.
The budget also provides for the creation of two women battalions in the State Reserve Force and enhanced remuneration for Anganwadi and ASHA workers.
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