• Source:JND

West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented the first full Budget after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed government in the eastern state last month. The first budget of the Suvendu Adhikari-led government reflects a mix of welfare measures, employment initiatives, women empowerment, infra boost and administrative reforms.

The Finance Minister positioned the Budget as a roadmap for ‘Viksit Bangla’, matching the Centre’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. Dasgupta, while presenting the Budget, said that the government’s mission was to restore the state’s glory by ensuring inclusive development.

Key Announcements

- Over 1 lakh government posts will be filled in various departments, and 33 per cent of these jobs will be reserved for women. Dearness Allowance for the state government employees, pensioners and teachers has been increased by 20 per cent to 38 per cent.

- Local Area Development Fund for MLA has been proposed to increase to Rs 1 crore from the earlier Rs 70 lakh.

- A retired journalist will get Rs 5,000 as a pension.

- Free Bus Service (Pink Card)- Rs 550 crore has been allocated to start a free bus service for women, for which 'pink cards' will soon be issued.

- In a major infra boost, the West Bengal government has a plan to identify 1,000 acres in Kalyani for a greenfield airport.

- The minister announced Rs 36,000 crore--one of the big announcements-- for the women's financial assistance under Annapurna Yojna.

- 'Bharosa' Unemployment Allowance Scheme: Under this scheme, graduates will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 and others Rs 2,000. The scheme applies to those whose family income is less than Rs 1 lakh. The scheme will be launched in October for educated unemployed youth aged 21 to 45.

- Free coaching centres will be opened in every district for competitive exam preparation.

- The monthly stipend of Asha workers has been increased by Rs 5,000.


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