Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the BJP-led central government of denying funds to the state. Despite the financial constraints, she stated that her government had ensured welfare and development programmes continued in the state budget.
Speaking at a press conference a day after the state budget announcement, Banerjee said, “Despite the state being financially deprived by the Centre, we have brought in a pro-people budget.”
Comparison with Union Budget
The Chief Minister also compared the West Bengal budget with the Union Budget, describing the latter as “directionless and rudderless,” while asserting that her government’s budget remained focused on public welfare.
Rs 4.06 Lakh Crore Interim Budget for 2026-27
The West Bengal Assembly presented an interim budget of Rs 4.06 lakh crore for the 2026-27 financial year. The budget comes less than three months before the state Assembly elections and aims to boost public welfare and social support schemes.
Key Welfare Initiatives for Women, Youth, and Frontline Workers
The budget includes cash support and allowance increases for women, youth, and frontline workers. Notably, the monthly grant under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme has been raised by Rs 500 from February 2026, with the state allocating Rs 15,000 crore for the programme.
The move is expected to benefit millions of women, who constitute nearly half of the state’s voters, and reinforces the Trinamool Congress government’s focus on social welfare.
Focus on Pro-People Governance
Through this budget, Mamata Banerjee’s government has emphasized a pro-people approach, ensuring financial support for vulnerable sections and strengthening development programmes despite fiscal limitations imposed by the Centre.
