West Bengal government has presented its Budget for 2026-27, and it comes packed with new schemes, bigger allocations and fresh support for women, youth, students and workers. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta tabled the budget in the State Assembly on June 22, 2026, the first full budget of the new BJP government in the state, built around the theme "Viksit Bangla, Viksit Bharat".
From a ₹36,000 crore allocation for Annapurna Yojana to a new ₹3,000 monthly help for unemployed youth, free bus travel for women and one lakh government jobs, this budget touches almost every household. Below is a simple breakdown of all the new schemes and where the money is going.
West Bengal Budget 2026-27 New Schemes and Allocations
This budget mixes welfare spending with jobs and infrastructure. Some schemes are brand new, while a few older ones have been renamed and given a bigger budget. The government has also said that all existing social welfare schemes will continue, so beneficiaries of running programmes need not worry about their payments stopping.
Annapurna Yojana - ₹36,000 Crore Allocation
Annapurna Yojana is the new name for the women's cash support programme that earlier ran as Lakshmir Bhandar. Government has set aside ₹36,000 crore for it in this budget, making it the single biggest welfare allocation. Eligible women keep getting monthly money in their bank accounts under this scheme. If you want the full picture on this, read our detailed guide on Annapurna Yojana 2026 monthly payment and how the older Lakshmir Bhandar scheme has changed.
Bhorsa Karmasathi Scheme - ₹3,000 Monthly for Unemployed Youth
One of the main new announcements is the Bhorsa Karmasathi Scheme. Under this, unemployed youth in the state will get ₹3,000 every month to support their daily needs and skill building while they look for work. This is aimed at young people who have finished studies but are still searching for a job. For related youth support, you can also check the Yuva Shakti Bharosa Card scheme details.
Free Bus Travel for Women - ₹550 Crore
Women in West Bengal will soon be able to travel free in state buses. Government has kept ₹550 crore for this free bus service. Along with this, a new "Pink Card" will be given to women beneficiaries, which will work as their identity for these benefits.
One Lakh Government Jobs with 33% Women Reservation
For job seekers, the budget has announced recruitment of one lakh people across different government departments. Out of these posts, 33% will be reserved for women candidates. The state also plans to fill 20,000 vacancies in the police force. This recruitment push is part of a three-part employment plan that also focuses on attracting investment and supporting small businesses.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Budget Name | West Bengal Budget 2026-27 |
| Presented By | Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta |
| Date | June 22, 2026 |
| Theme | Viksit Bangla, Viksit Bharat |
| Annapurna Yojana Allocation | ₹36,000 crore |
| Free Bus Service for Women | ₹550 crore |
| Youth Help (Bhorsa Karmasathi) | ₹3,000 per month |
| Government Jobs | 1 lakh (33% for women) |
| DA After Hike | 38% (from October 1, 2026) |
| Official Website | wb.gov.in |
Dearness Allowance Raised to 38%
State government employees and pensioners will get a 20% point hike in dearness allowance, taking the total DA from 18% to 38%. This higher DA will apply from October 1, 2026. Government has said this is just the first step and it wants to bring state DA closer to the central government level over time.
Support for Girls and College Students
Students get good attention in this budget. A few key benefits were announced for girls and college-going students, each meant to reduce the money pressure of higher education.
- Girl students in government and government-aided institutions will get a scholarship of ₹50,000 to help with their studies.
- Unmarried female students in colleges will get a one-time support of ₹50,000.
- Students in government and government-aided colleges will get financial help of ₹30,000.
- Sanitary vending machines will be installed in colleges for the health and comfort of girl students.
Salary Hike for Frontline Workers
Workers who run schemes on the ground also got a pay raise. The monthly increase depends on the type of worker, and it covers health workers, teachers and volunteers across the state.
- ASHA workers and para teachers will get ₹5,000 more each month.
- Civic volunteers, home guards and green police will get ₹2,000 more each month.
- PM POSHAN cook-cum-helpers will get ₹1,000 more each month.
Healthcare and Education Projects
On the health side, four new medical colleges will come up in Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Dakshin Dinajpur and Paschim Bardhaman. The state will add 650 more MBBS seats and 450 more postgraduate medical seats. A separate AYUSH Department will also be set up for traditional medicine. In education, the budget proposes an IIT and an IIM in North Bengal, new women's colleges, and land for Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Rural Jobs and Housing Benefits
For rural families, ₹14,000 crore has been kept for the VB-G RAM G employment scheme, with work raised to the level of 125 days. A welfare board will be set up for gig workers, and migrant workers will get Ayushman Bharat health cover. Around 25 lakh more people will get extra benefits under PM Awas housing support.
Infrastructure and Industry Plans
Big projects were announced too. A new greenfield airport will be built near Kalyani to reduce the load on Kolkata airport, and an integrated deep-sea port will come up at Dadanpatrabar in Purba Medinipur. Feasibility studies for metro rail in Durgapur, Asansol and Siliguri will be done. For industry, the government plans to revive the Calcutta Stock Exchange, review the old Urban Land Ceiling Act, and set up a single-window clearance system for big investments of ₹100 crore and above.
State Debt Position
The budget also admits the state's money problems. West Bengal's outstanding debt is more than ₹7.5 lakh crore, with a debt-to-GSDP ratio of around 38%, and yearly interest payments close to ₹49,000 crore. Government says it will try to balance welfare spending with controlling this debt.
For a wider look at what is rolling out in the state, see our update on new schemes launching in West Bengal 2026.
FAQ's
What is the biggest scheme allocation in West Bengal Budget 2026-27?
Annapurna Yojana got the largest welfare allocation at ₹36,000 crore. It is the renamed version of the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar women's cash support scheme.
What is the Bhorsa Karmasathi Scheme?
It is a new scheme that gives ₹3,000 per month to unemployed youth in West Bengal to support their living costs and skill development while they search for work.
How many government jobs were announced?
One lakh government jobs were announced across departments, with 33% of the posts reserved for women. Another 20,000 posts will be filled in the state police force.
When will the new DA of 38% start?
The dearness allowance rises from 18% to 38% and will apply from October 1, 2026, for state government employees and pensioners.
What benefits did students get in this budget?
Girl students get a ₹50,000 scholarship, unmarried female college students get ₹50,000 one-time support, and students in government-aided colleges get ₹30,000 financial help.