Kolkata, June 22 (APAC Media): The West Bengal government on Monday presented its full budget for FY 2026–27, announcing a sharp increase in dearness allowance for state employees, higher remuneration for frontline workers, and a plan to revive the Calcutta Stock Exchange as part of a broader push to position Kolkata as a financial hub.
The budget, described by the government as a mix of welfare expansion and structural reform, also outlined major allocations across rural development, MSME growth, and administrative reforms, alongside targeted cultural and language promotion initiatives.
“This budget is designed to balance urgent welfare needs with sustainable economic growth,” Swapan DasGupta, finance minister of West Bengal, said.
DA hike, Relief for Employees and Pensioners
In a key announcement, the government proposed an additional 20% dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for state government employees, semi-government staff, teachers, non-teaching personnel, and pensioners. This would take total DA/DR to 38%, up from the existing 18%.
The #WestBengal government announces a 20% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA). The revised DA will come into effect on October 1.
Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, during the Suvendu government’s first budget presentation, says the govt will continue with all existing social… pic.twitter.com/3DkGxfhCEh
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 22, 2026
Source: AIR
The revised rates will take effect from October 1, 2026.
“We are committed to ensuring that our employees receive fair compensation in line with rising costs of living,” the finance minister added.
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Higher pay for frontline workers
The budget also proposed increases in remuneration for several categories of contractual and frontline workers.
Transport conductors engaged on a contractual basis and through agencies will receive ₹16,000 per month.
Civic volunteers, village police, green police workers, homeguards, and National Volunteer Force personnel will get a monthly increase of ₹2,000, effective August 2026.
Frontline veterinary workers, including Pranibandhu, Pranimitra, Pranisebi, Maitri, and AI workers, will also receive a ₹2,000 monthly hike.
“Education and knowledge systems are being strengthened with ₹351.70 crore for Mass Education Extension and Library Services, aimed at improving literacy outreach and public learning resources,” it said.
Daily wages for village resource persons and vector control teams will be increased by ₹100. Civil defence volunteers will be guaranteed at least 20 days of work per month.
West Bengal Budget 2026–27: Department-wise Allocation
| Rank | Department | Allocation (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panchayats & Rural Development | Up to ₹51,836.55 |
| 2 | Power | ₹5,343.59 |
| 3 | Minority Affairs & Madrasah Education | ₹2,165.42 (Revised intermediate layout) |
| 4 | North Bengal Development | Up to ₹1,821.52 |
| 5 | Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Textiles | ₹1,814.60 |
| 6 | Paschimanchal Unnayan Affairs | Up to ₹1,610.85 |
| 7 | Personnel & Administrative Reforms | ₹447.89 |
| 8 | Mass Education Extension & Library Services | ₹351.70 |
| 9 | Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources | Up to ₹305.87 |
| 10 | Law | ₹24.87 |
Pension and special allowances
The government announced a monthly pension of ₹5,000 for retired journalists.
A ₹10,000 monthly allowance has been proposed for individuals imprisoned during the emergency period. A separate “Sangrami Bhata” framework will also be developed for people facing alleged politically motivated cases.
Cultural and language initiatives
The budget declared July 6, 2026, as a state holiday to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
The government has allocated ₹200 crore for commemorative projects, including a 125-foot statue at Jirat, renovation of his ancestral home, and development of a memorial complex.
Separate allocations of ₹50 crore each have been made for the promotion of the Rajbanshi and Kurmali languages, including academies and cultural initiatives.
A review of the profession tax structure has also been proposed to provide relief to small traders, self-employed individuals, and salaried taxpayers.
Push for financial sector revival
The budget outlined a Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy aimed at shifting the state’s IT sector toward higher-value operations and multinational services.
The government also proposed disinvestment of profitable state public sector undertakings through stock exchange listings to raise capital.
A structured plan was announced for the revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange, aimed at improving capital access in eastern India and creating employment opportunities.
Budget allocations
Major departmental allocations include ₹51,836.55 crore for Panchayats and Rural Development, ₹5,343.59 crore for the power sector, and ₹2,165.42 crore for minority affairs and Madrassah education.
Other key allocations include ₹1,821.52 crore for North Bengal development, ₹1,814.60 crore for MSME and textiles, ₹1,610.85 crore for Paschimanchal Unnayan affairs, and ₹447.89 crore for personnel and administrative reforms.
Smaller allocations include ₹351.70 crore for Mass Education and Library Services, ₹305.87 crore for Non-Conventional Energy, and ₹24.87 crore for the Law Department.
Fiscal outlook
The Finance Department said the budget balances expanded welfare commitments and capital expenditure with measures aimed at maintaining fiscal discipline.
— Ends —
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