In a bid to bolster its welfare credentials, West Bengal’s interim budget for FY 2026-27 has raised Lakshmi Bhandar stipends by Rs 500 across categories. Presented by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, the announcement elevates general women’s monthly aid to Rs 1,500 from Rs 1,000, and SC/ST to Rs 1,700 from Rs 1,200.
The Rs 15,000 crore allocation reflects the scheme’s centrality to the government’s women-centric policies. Complementing this, a 4% DA hike benefits over a million state employees and pensioners, addressing cost-of-living concerns.
Looking ahead, Bhattacharya floated ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ – a prospective Rs 1,500 monthly grant for 21-40-year-old secondary pass youth, conditional on electoral victory and launching August 15.
Targeted increases of Rs 1,000 monthly were declared for civic volunteers, Green Police (Rs 150 crore provisioned), and education field workers under SSA. Implementation of the 7th Pay Commission was also greenlit.
At Rs 4,600 crore, the vote-on-account ensures continuity until the full budget follows the pivotal 2026 assembly polls, positioning welfare expansions as key campaign planks.