West Bengal Government Presents Final Budget Ahead of State Elections
The Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal unveiled its last budget, a vote-on-account, on Thursday, with significant announcements targeting unemployed youth, women, and state employees ahead of the upcoming state polls later this year. Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya presented the budget in the state assembly, highlighting key welfare initiatives and financial adjustments.
New Schemes and Enhanced Benefits for Citizens
A major highlight of the budget is the introduction of 'Banglar Yuba-Sathi', a new welfare scheme specifically designed for the unemployed youth of Bengal. This initiative aims to provide support and opportunities to young individuals seeking employment in the state.
In a significant boost to women's welfare, the government announced a 50% increase in the monthly payout for beneficiaries of the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme. The amount will rise from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per month. This scheme, launched by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee before the 2021 assembly elections, is a flagship program focused on empowering women across West Bengal.
Salary Hikes and Renamed Employment Programs
State government employees received positive news with the budget allocating a 4% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA), providing financial relief amid rising costs. Additionally, the government has rebranded its 'Karmashree' scheme as 'Mahatma Shree' and increased the minimum number of workdays from 75 to 100 annually. This move is widely interpreted as a response to the Trinamool Congress's opposition to the central government's decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Further enhancing support for frontline workers, the budget includes a Rs 1,000 increase in the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, para-teachers, and civic volunteers. This adjustment aims to recognize their crucial contributions to public service and community welfare.
Political Reactions and Economic Implications
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee celebrated the expansion of social welfare initiatives, noting that the number of schemes has now reached a century. "We had 94 schemes. We just hit a century with the new ones," she stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to comprehensive social support.
However, the budget faced criticism from opposition figures. Economist and BJP MLA Ashok Lahiri described the vote-on-account as "more like the Trinamool manifesto" than a traditional budget. He raised concerns about the lack of clarity on additional funding required to cover the increased DA payments for government employees, questioning the financial sustainability of these announcements.
As West Bengal prepares for elections, this budget sets the stage for political debates on welfare, employment, and economic management, with both supporters and critics closely analyzing its long-term impact on the state's fiscal health and social development.
