West Bengal
West Bengal Budget 2026‑27
- 07 Feb 2026
- 4 min read
Why in News?
The West Bengal government presented its interim Budget 2026‑27 in the State Assembly, outlining a Rs 4.06 lakh crore expenditure plan that emphasizes social welfare schemes, economic support for women and youth, enhanced revenue targets, and expenditure growth amid preparations for upcoming assembly elections.
Key Points:
- Budget Outlook: The interim budget for 2026‑27 was tabled at Rs 4.06 lakh crore, with total estimated expenditure pegged at Rs 3.96 lakh crore, reflecting a 14.2 % rise over revised estimates for 2025‑26.
- Total Revenue Receipt: 2,87,791 Crore
- Total Capital Receipt: 1,08,288 Crore
- Total Revenue Expenditure: 3,09,551 Crore
- Total Capital Expenditure: 86,533 Crore
- Budget Expenditure:
- General Services: 94,389 Crore
- Social Services: 1,80,862 Crore
- Economic Services: 73773 Crore
- Budget Allocation in Important Sectors:
- Agriculture and Allied Activities: 24,312.97 Crore
- Rural Development: 15,919.76 Crore
- Irrigation and Flood Control: 5,858.95 Crore
- Energy: 5,372.50 Crore
- Industry and Minerals: 2,842.96 Crore
- Transport: 14,388.23 Crore
- Science Technology and Environment: 155.94 Crore
- Education, Sports, Art and Culture: 51,530.62 Crore
- Health and Family Welfare: 23,119.21 Crore
- Water Supply, Sanitation, Housing and Urban Development: 45,544.00 Crore
- Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes: 6,915.37 Crore
- Social Welfare and Nutrition: 51,815.03 Crore
- Social Welfare Priorities: Nearly 46 % of the total expenditure (around Rs 1.80 lakh crore) has been earmarked for social welfare schemes, showing the government’s focus on inclusive development.
- Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme Expansion: The monthly grant under the Lakshmi Bhandar cash support programme for women was increased by Rs 500, boosting financial assistance to women beneficiaries from February 2026.
- Dearness Allowance (DA) Hike: The budget proposes a 4 % increase in dearness allowance for West Bengal government employees to help offset inflationary pressures.
- Support for Unemployed Youth: A new scheme, ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’, was announced to provide Rs 1,500 monthly allowance to eligible unemployed youth (aged 21‑40) until they secure jobs or for up to five years.
- Tax Revenue Growth: The budget projects own tax revenue to increase by about 6.20 %, with State GST and excise duties constituting major contributors to total tax receipts.
- Welfare for Gig & Frontline Workers: Budget proposals include bringing gig workers under social security cover and enhancing allowances for Anganwadi and ASHA workers, alongside other welfare measures.
