West Bengal's 2025-26 Budget Prioritizes Rural Growth and Social Welfare

West Bengal's Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya unveils a Rs 3.89 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on social welfare and rural growth. Key components include infrastructure projects, increased agrarian support, and a four per cent rise in Dearness Allowance to aid state employees amid inflation.

Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya of West Bengal announced the state's 2025-26 budget on Wednesday, earmarked at Rs 3.89 lakh crore. This financial plan places significant emphasis on social welfare, rural development, and strengthening infrastructure.

Among the initiatives, the state budget allocates sizeable funds to improve rural connectivity, manage river erosion, and enhance agricultural support. These projects aim to bolster rural regions and augment the state's economic landscape.

Additionally, a four per cent increase in Dearness Allowance, effective April 1, 2025, was declared, thereby raising the allowance to 18 per cent. This move is designed to alleviate financial pressures on state employees as inflation climbs.