State Budget Focuses on Development, Employment and Women's Empowerment

PTI, June 22, 2026, Kolkata: Describing the first BJP government's maiden budget in West Bengal as that of development and legacy, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said it covers every segment from law and order to employment generation.

Adhikari said that the over Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget proposal has been placed in the West Bengal Assembly during the day, despite a funds crunch and debt burden.

"This is a budget of 'vikas and virasat' (development and legacy)," he told a press conference, flanked by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, following presentation of the budget proposals for 2026-27.

Adhikari said that the BJP government has only been able to present a budget for the remaining eight months of the fiscal, with the previous Mamata Banerjee dispensation earlier presenting a vote on account for the first four months of 2026-27, owing to the April Assembly polls.

"I welcome the budget placed by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta. The way an inclusive budget has been placed within a short time after our government took over just one and a half months ago, is commendable," the CM said.

Adhikari further said that steps have been taken to ensure the security of the state's citizens, including the recruitment of 20,000 police personnel and the introduction of the 112 helpline and related services to maintain law and order.

"Special importance has been given to infrastructure development, industry and the agricultural sector," he said.

Stating that one lakh new government jobs will be given this fiscal, the Chief Minister asserted that no political person will be part of the appointment committees for these to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

BJP's West Bengal president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya on Monday welcomed the state budget, describing it as a "comprehensive" and people-oriented document aimed at strengthening the state's economy and improving the lives of people, particularly women.

Speaking to reporters after the budget was tabled in the Assembly, Bhattacharya said it reflected the commitments made by the BJP before assuming office and sought to address the state's economic challenges.

"I would like to thank and congratulate Dasgupta and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for this budget. This is a comprehensive and people-oriented budget," he said.

"This budget will not only provide protection to women but will also help them become economically self-reliant," Bhattacharya said.