BJP government’s first Bengal Budget unveils 20% DA hike, 1 lakh jobs and ₹36,000 crore women’s welfare push

The BJP government in West Bengal on June 22 presented its first full Budget since assuming office, announcing a series of welfare and development measures, including a 20 percentage-point increase in dearness allowance (DA), recruitment to one lakh government posts and a ₹36,000 crore allocation for the Annapurna Yojana.

Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta outlined the government's strategy to combine welfare spending with employment generation and economic growth.

The DA hike will raise the allowance for state government employees to 38 per cent, addressing a long-standing demand of government staff.

A key announcement was the creation of one lakh government jobs, which the government said would help tackle unemployment and strengthen public service delivery.

The Budget also earmarked ₹36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana, the flagship women-centric financial assistance scheme launched by the BJP government earlier this month.

The government also outlined a broader development agenda, including investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and technology-driven growth.

Plans for an Artificial Intelligence mission and industrial expansion were highlighted as part of efforts to attract investment and create employment opportunities.

According to Budget documents, the administration intends to use the remaining months of the financial year to accelerate development projects and improve economic activity across the state.

The government also signalled a focus on administrative reforms and strengthening public services.

The Budget carries political significance as it is the first presented by a BJP-led government in West Bengal. The announcements are expected to be closely watched for their impact on employment, public finances and welfare delivery in the state.