West Bengal Interim Budget 2026: CM Banerjee Government Announces Cash Sops For Women & Youth, DA Hike & More

Weeks before the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has presented a Rs 4.06 lakh crore interim Budget, announcing a series of welfare measures aimed at women, unemployed youth and state employees.

The interim Budget, also known as a vote-on-account, was presented in the state Assembly by Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya.

Along with announcing new schemes and increased financial assistance, the government also raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees by another 4 per cent.

Lakshmir Bhandar Allocation Increased

A major focus of the Budget remained on women, who form a key support base for the ruling party. The government increased the monthly assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme by Rs 500.

Bhattacharya announced that Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated for the scheme until the next government presents a full Budget. With the revised amount, women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will receive Rs 1,700 per month, while other beneficiaries will get Rs 1,500 per month starting February.

Relief For ASHA And Anganwadi Workers

The state government also announced a Rs 1,000 hike in the monthly honorarium of ASHA and Anganwadi workers. In addition to the wage increase, these workers will now be entitled to 180 days of maternity leave starting April.

The government also introduced a compensation provision for their families. If an ASHA or Anganwadi worker dies before the age of 60, their next of kin will receive a one-time compensation of Rs 5 lakh.

New Scheme For Unemployed Youth

In a move aimed at addressing unemployment, the government launched a new scheme called 'Banglar Yuva Sathi'. Under this scheme, unemployed individuals aged between 21 and 40 will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500.

The financial assistance will continue until they secure employment or for a maximum period of five years.

Support For Teachers And Education Staff

The interim Budget also announced a Rs 1,000 increase in the monthly remuneration of para-teachers and various education-related staff, including shiksha bandhus, sahayaks, special educators and management personnel. This hike will come into effect from April.

Similar to ASHA and Anganwadi workers, the families of these staff members will also receive a one-time compensation of Rs 5 lakh if the employee passes away before reaching the age of 60.

Funds For Rural Job Scheme

The state government set aside Rs 2,000 crore for the Mahatmasree Scheme, previously known as Karmashree. This scheme was introduced to provide a 100-day rural employment guarantee in West Bengal after the Centre allegedly stopped releasing funds under the MGNREGA programme.

With this interim Budget, the TMC government has announced a wide range of welfare measures targeting key sections of society ahead of the state elections, while promising a full-fledged Budget after the formation of the next government.