KOLKATA: The BJP government in West Bengal presented its first full Budget for the financial year 2026-27 on Monday, outlining an ambitious development roadmap aimed at reshaping the state’s administrative and economic landscape.
Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta introduced the budget in the Assembly, placing special emphasis on the creation of five new districts, a second airport near Kolkata, regional infrastructure expansion and employment generation.
The Budget is being projected by the government as a blueprint for a “Viksit Bangla” (Developed Bengal), aligning with the broader national vision of balanced economic growth and improved governance. The state government also highlighted its intention to reduce regional disparities, particularly between North and South Bengal.
Five New Districts to Improve Governance
One of the headline announcements was the proposal to create five new districts in West Bengal. The government said the move would bring administration closer to people, improve delivery of public services and reduce bureaucratic burdens in densely populated regions.
The government has proposed the creation of five new districts in West Bengal — Kolkata, Basirhat, Sundarban, Jangipur and Arambagh. In addition, a new police district has been proposed in Contai, while Gopiballavpur is set to become a new subdivision.
The administration has also announced plans to establish new municipalities in Shivmandir, Gazole, Chanchal, Belda, Bagnan, Jaigaon, Kolaghat, Kamarpukur and Tungidighi.
The creation of additional districts is expected to ease pressure on existing administrative units while allowing faster implementation of welfare schemes, law enforcement and developmental projects.
According to the government, detailed demarcation and administrative restructuring will be carried out in phases following consultations with local stakeholders and departments. The initiative is also expected to generate new employment opportunities in public administration.
New Airport Near Kolkata Receives Major Push
Another significant announcement was the development of a greenfield airport near Kalyani in Nadia district. Around 1,000 acres of land have been earmarked for the project.
The proposed airport is expected to reduce congestion at the existing Kolkata airport and support the growing demand for passenger and cargo traffic.
Officials believe the project will transform Kalyani into an emerging economic and industrial hub while improving connectivity with neighbouring districts and nearby states.
The government also proposed three additional airfields across West Bengal to strengthen regional aviation infrastructure and encourage investments in tourism and commerce.
One Lakh Government Jobs Announced
The budget also carried a strong employment message, with the government promising to fill one lakh government vacancies.
Thirty-three per cent of these positions will be reserved for women, a move aimed at increasing female participation in the workforce and improving gender representation in public institutions.
Recruitment will reportedly be conducted in phases across departments such as education, healthcare, administration and public services.
Focus on North Bengal Development
The government announced plans to establish premier educational institutions in North Bengal, including an IIT and an IIM.
The decision reflects the administration’s effort to reduce the long-standing developmental imbalance between northern and southern regions of the state.
Officials said improved educational infrastructure would attract investments, create skilled manpower and strengthen the regional economy.
Welfare Schemes Continue with New Structure
The government allocated ₹36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana, its flagship welfare initiative for women.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive direct financial assistance every month under stricter verification mechanisms.
The administration stated that welfare spending would continue but with increased scrutiny to ensure benefits reach deserving recipients while maintaining fiscal discipline.
DA Hike for State Employees
In another major relief measure, the government announced a 20 percentage-point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and pensioners.
The DA will rise from 18 per cent to 38 per cent and is scheduled to come into effect from October 1, 2026. The move is expected to benefit lakhs of employees and retirees across the state.
Debt Burden and Governance Reforms
While presenting the Budget, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said the government inherited a debt burden of approximately ₹8.15 lakh crore.
He stressed that fiscal discipline, transparency and corruption-free governance would be key priorities of the administration moving forward.
The Budget therefore attempts to strike a balance between welfare expenditure, employment generation and infrastructure-led growth.
A New Administrative Vision for Bengal
Beyond individual announcements, the Budget serves as a political and economic statement from the BJP government after assuming office in West Bengal.
The emphasis on new districts, airports, educational institutions and employment indicates a strategy centred on decentralisation and long-term infrastructure building.
Whether these ambitious projects can be executed within the promised timelines will likely determine the success of the government’s vision for a transformed West Bengal in the coming years.
