BJP West Bengal Budget: New Kalyani Airport and Welfare Schemes

The newly formed BJP administration in West Bengal has unveiled its inaugural financial roadmap, introducing massive infrastructure upgrades and expansive social security initiatives. The milestone budget seeks to balance aggressive infrastructure expansion with targeted financial welfare to stimulate the state’s economic landscape.

The BJP government in West Bengal on Monday announced a new greenfield airport near Kalyani, presenting its first budget in the Legislative Assembly.

State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented the budget for the first-ever BJP government in the state for the Financial Year 2026-27. The Budget provides a net allocation of Rs 4,38,775.29 crore for the financial year 2026-27 in West Bengal.

Addressing the House, the Finance Minister said, “Kolkata Airport is facing significant passenger congestion, and there is a need for a second Airport in Kolkata to boost the regional economy. Government will identify 1,000-1,500 acres of land near Kalyani to set up a new green field airport near Kolkata.”

In line with the party’s poll promise to implement the Centre’s schemes in the state, Dasgupta announced two lakh rooftop solar power systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

In the power sector, he announced, “To promote solar energy adoption and empower village communities to achieve energy self-reliance, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers financial subsidies to domestic consumers for installing rooftop solar power systems, will be implemented in the state with the target of 2 lakh rooftop solar installations.”

The state government announced an allocation of Rs 100 crore for rooftop solar systems. The Finance Minister also said that the SC/ST families will be provided with an additional subsidy of Rs 5000 on power consumption.

“The State Government will encourage more generation of solar power and its consumption, both to make affordable power to the industries as well as meet climate goals. It will work on an Open Access policy towards these goals. In addition, Grid-connected Rooftop Solar PV power generation systems will be installed. An allocation of Rs 100 crores for this purpose. SC/ST families will be provided additional subsidy of Rs 5000,” Dasgupta said.

As the Suvendu Adhikari-led government presented its first budget, the file was made from traditional Bengali mats and jute.

CM Suvendu Adhikari and Swapan Dasgupta also performed a puja before presenting the budget in the Assembly.

Jobs And Pay Hikes Take Centre Stage

The state has pledged to recruit 1 lakh personnel across various public departments, reserving 33% of these openings specifically for female candidates. This recruitment drive includes filling 20,000 vacant police positions and 50,000 teaching roles to strengthen essential public services.

State administration employees will receive a 20% increase in Dearness Allowance starting October 1, 2026, raising their overall entitlement from 18% to 38%. Furthermore, Anganwadi and ASHA workers will see a monthly salary bump of Rs 5,000, while mid-day meal cooks receive a Rs 1,000 increase.

Welfare Announcements: Cash Support For Students, Journalists And Political Prisoners

The newly introduced Bharosa Scheme will offer monthly financial aid to unemployed individuals aged 21 to 45 years, granting Rs 3,000 to graduates and Rs 2,000 to non-graduates. Additionally, the state earmarked Rs 550 crore to provide free public bus transit for women.

The massive Rs 36,000 crore Annapurna Yojna will serve as the primary financial engine for women’s welfare. Meanwhile, unmarried female college students will get a one-time assistance of Rs 50,000, retired journalists will receive a Rs 5,000 monthly pension, and former political prisoners will get a Rs 10,000 monthly stipend.

Future Outlook

The newly elected administration faces a significant fiscal challenge, inheriting an outstanding state debt of Rs 8.15 lakh crore. To fund its ambitious social safety nets and infrastructure projects, the government intends to optimize internal tax collection mechanisms, improve regulatory compliance, and expand local revenue streams without introducing new tax liabilities for citizens. Aviation connectivity will expand beyond the Kalyani project, with new regional airports planned for Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda under the central UDAAN scheme, alongside an expansion of the Cooch Behar airstrip. Higher education will also see a geographical shift, with North Bengal scheduled to receive its first dedicated Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) campuses.

FAQs

What is the total outlay of the West Bengal Budget for 2026-27?

The first budget presented by the BJP government in West Bengal has a total net allocation of Rs 4,38,775.29 crore for the financial year 2026-27.

Where will the new greenfield airport in West Bengal be built?

The state government will identify 1,000 to 1,500 acres of land near Kalyani to construct a new greenfield airport aimed at easing passenger congestion at the existing Kolkata airport.

What benefits does the Bharosa Scheme provide?

The Bharosa Scheme is an unemployment assistance initiative for individuals aged 21 to 45 years. It provides Rs 3,000 per month to unemployed graduates and Rs 2,000 per month to unemployed non-graduates.

How much will Dearness Allowance increase for West Bengal state employees?

State government employees will receive a 20% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) effective October 1, 2026, which brings the total state DA entitlement up to 38%.