West Bengal Budget 2026 Highlights: 1 Lakh Jobs, New Airport Near Kolkata

The first budget of the newly elected BJP government in the State of West Bengal has unveiled the ambitious roadmap which is focused on to employment generation, infrastructure development, women’s welfare and economic growth. Respectable Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta has presented ₹4.38 lakh crore Budget of 2026-27 in the State Assembly and announced the series of the transformative measures which includes the one lakh government jobs, a new airport near Kolkata, a deep-sea port, educational institutions and enhanced welfare schemes.

This Budget seeks to the development while addressing the areas like employment, infrastructure, and social security needs.

Key Highlights of West Bengal Budget 2026-27

Employment and Reservation

• Total one lakh government vacancies will be filled.
• Provides the 33% reservation for the women in the state government recruitment.
• Also proposed to strengthen the employment opportunities across sectors.

Dearness Allowance (DA) Hike

The government has also announced an additional 20% Dearness Allowance over the existing 18%.

• Total DA for the state government employees: 38%
• Pensioners to receive the additional 20% Dearness Relief (DR).
• Effective Date: October 1, 2026

Announcements of Major Infrastructure Projects

New Airport Near Kolkata

The major flagship announcement of the Budget was the proposal to develop the second airport near Kolkata.

The state government plans to identify the 1,000 to 1,500 acres of land near Kalyani for to establishing a greenfield airport.

The project aims to,

• Reduce the congestion at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
• Improves the regional connectivity
• Support economic growth
• Will attract investment and tourism

The proposed airport is expected to become the important aviation hub for the eastern part of India.

Deep-Sea Port in the Purba Medinipur

The Budget has also announced plans for the deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar in the Purba Medinipur.

The project is expected to,

• Strengthen the maritime infrastructure
• Will boost trade and logistics
• Generate the employment opportunities
• Support the industrial development in coastal regions

Expansion of Regional Airports

The government has allocated total ₹10 crore for the expansion of the Cooch Behar Airport.

Additionally,

• 25 acres of land will be provided for the expansion of the Hasimara Air Force Station.
• 37 acres will be provided for the development of Kalaikunda Air Force Station.

These initiatives aim to improve the both civilian and strategic aviation infrastructure.

Urban Transport Development

The survey also proposed for the metro rail services in,

• Durgapur
• Asansol
• Siliguri

Sports Infrastructure

• Mini indoor stadiums will be established in the all Assembly constituencies across the state.

Higher Education and Skill Development

The government has announced the plans to establish the,

• An IIT in North Bengal
• An IIM in the North Bengal

These institutions aim to promote the advanced education, research and regional development.

Welfare Schemes and Social Security

Annapurna Yojana

• The government has allocated total ₹36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana and it will replaces the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
• This scheme provides the enhanced financial assistance to beneficiaries.

Women’s Welfare

• ₹550 crore allocated for the free bus services exclusively for women.
• ₹50,000 one-time assistance for the unmarried girl students who are studying in the government and government-aided colleges.

Student Assistance

• ₹30,000 financial assistance for those students who are enrolled in the government and government-aided colleges.
• Objective: To reduce the dropout rates and encourage higher education.

Housing and Employment Guarantee

• Around 25 lakh additional beneficiaries to receive the PM Awas benefits.
• MGNREGA employment has also increased from 100 days to 125 days annually.

Gig Workers and Migrant Labourers

• Budget also proposed for the Welfare Board for gig workers.
• Ayushman Bharat health cards for the migrant labourers.

Benefits for Frontline Workers

Civic Volunteers and Security Personnel

Monthly remuneration also increased by total ₹2,000 for the,

• Civic Volunteers
• Green Police
• Home Guards

ASHA Workers

Remuneration has also increased by total ₹5,000.

Para Teachers

• Amount of ₹5,000 increase in the remuneration..

Cultural and Heritage Initiatives

Tagore Cultural Centre

The government has also announced the establishment of the dedicated Tagore Cultural Centre to preserve and promote the legacy of the Nobel Winner Rabindranath Tagore.

Regional Development Measures

Anti-Erosion Project

• ₹50 crore allocated for the anti-erosion work in the Jangipur, Murshidabad.

MLA Development Fund

• MLA fund also increased from ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore per MLA every year.

Top Three Department Wise Allocations

Department	Allocation
Women & Child Development and Social Welfare	₹52,308.50 crore
Panchayats & Rural Development	₹51,836.55 crore
School Education	₹44,948.21 crore

Fiscal Priorities and Economic Outlook

The state government has indicated that the its primary challenge is to increase the revenue without imposing any fresh taxes.

Key strategies may includes the,

• Better resource management
• Land monetization
• Transparent auctions
• Strengthened compliance mechanisms

The Budget is also expected to form part of the broader fiscal roadmap which aimed at to reducing debt and improving the financial sustainability over the coming years and improving financial sustainability over the coming years.