West Bengal Budget 2026: 1 Lakh Government Jobs, Higher DA And Major Push For Women’s Welfare

The BJP government in West Bengal on Monday presented its first full Budget since assuming office, outlining an ambitious roadmap focused on employment generation, welfare expansion, infrastructure development and administrative reforms. Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said the government's vision was to build a "Viksit Bangla" that contributes to a "Viksit Bharat", while tackling the state's financial challenges.

The Budget comes at a time when the new administration is grappling with a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore, which Dasgupta said was inherited by the government. Despite the fiscal pressure, the state has promised to continue welfare schemes while investing heavily in growth-oriented initiatives.

Massive Recruitment Drive And DA Relief

One of the biggest announcements in the Budget was the government's commitment to fill one lakh vacancies across various departments. Of these, 33 per cent of the positions will be reserved for women, marking a significant push towards greater female participation in government employment.

The state also announced the recruitment of 50,000 teachers and 20,000 police personnel. These measures are expected to strengthen public services while creating large-scale employment opportunities.

Government employees received another major boost as the state announced a 20 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA). With the hike, the total DA entitlement will rise to 38 per cent. The revised rates will come into effect from October 1, 2026.

In addition, civic volunteers, village police personnel, home guards and green police workers will receive an increase of Rs 2,000 in their monthly remuneration.

Focus On Women's Welfare And Safety

The Budget placed strong emphasis on women's welfare through financial assistance and enhanced security measures. A sum of Rs 36,000 crore has been allocated for the Annapurna Yojana aimed at supporting women financially.

The government also announced a one-time assistance of Rs 50,000 for unmarried girl students studying in government and government-aided colleges.

To improve women's safety, dedicated women's police stations will be established in every subdivision across the state. Women's help desks will also be introduced in all police stations.

Further, Durga Suraksha Squads comprising women police personnel will patrol crowded urban areas and public spaces to strengthen public safety measures.

Welfare Measures For Journalists And Citizens

The government confirmed that all existing welfare schemes will continue under the new administration.

Among the notable announcements, retired journalists will receive a monthly pension of Rs 5,000. The Budget also introduced a monthly "Sangrami Bhata" of Rs 10,000 for individuals allegedly affected by false and politically motivated cases.

To improve citizen engagement with the government, a new toll-free grievance redressal helpline titled "Apnar Sarkar Apnar Pashe" will be launched.

Airports, AI Mission And Education Expansion

The Budget outlined several major infrastructure projects designed to boost connectivity and economic activity. A second airport near Kolkata has been proposed at Kalyani, while additional airports are planned in Purulia, Balurghat and Malda.

The government also announced plans for an integrated deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabarh in Purba Medinipur. An allocation of Rs 100 crore has been made for a bridge connecting Nandigram and Haldia. A new police district will also be created in Kanthi, East Medinipur.

In the education sector, the government proposed the establishment of a tribal university in Jhargram and plans for an IIT and IIM in North Bengal. A total of Rs 2,100 crore has been earmarked for PM Shri schools across the state.

The Budget also allocated Rs 50 crore for upgrading the historic Sanskrit College and announced the launch of the Bengal AI Mission. To support the digital economy and emerging careers, the government plans to establish 500 Content Creator Labs across the state.

Dasgupta said the BJP government's objective was to revive West Bengal's past prominence while creating new opportunities for growth and employment. He maintained that the administration would continue welfare spending even as it pursues development-focused investments despite the state's large debt burden.

As the first major policy blueprint of the BJP government in West Bengal, the Budget signals a strong focus on jobs, women's welfare, education, infrastructure, law and order, and governance reforms in the years ahe