West Bengal's First BJP Budget: 1 Lakh Jobs, DA Hike, New Airport, Cut In Minority Affairs Funds

West Bengal’s BJP government presented its first full Budget for 2026-27, combining welfare measures, job creation and infrastructure spending under the vision of “Viksit Bangla.” Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced a 20-percentage-point hike in dearness allowance, taking it to 38%, and pledged to fill one lakh government vacancies, including police and teaching posts. The Budget allocated Rs 36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana, which will provide direct financial assistance to women. Major announcements included pensions for retired journalists, higher remuneration for frontline workers, and increased support for students. The government also unveiled plans for new infrastructure projects, a Tribal University, an AI Mission, expanded healthcare facilities and airport development, while promising fiscal discipline despite inheriting significant debt.