West Bengal’s finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya delivered a populist interim budget on Thursday, significantly enhancing the Lakshmi Bhandar welfare program. Every woman beneficiary will see an additional Rs 500 in their monthly aid, elevating general category payouts from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, and SC/ST from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,700.
With Rs 15,000 crore earmarked for Lakshmi Bhandar, the scheme underscores the Mamata Banerjee government’s focus on women’s empowerment ahead of polls. In parallel, state employees and pensioners gain a 4% DA increment, easing financial pressures.
A highlight was the introduction of ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’, targeting unemployed youth aged 21-40 who have passed secondary exams. If re-elected, the government pledges Rs 1,500 monthly assistance starting August 15 this year.
Bhattacharya further sweetened the deal with Rs 1,000 pay hikes for civic volunteers, Green Police, and SSA’s Shiksha Bandhus, backed by Rs 150 crore. The 7th Pay Commission rollout was confirmed, promising structured salary revisions.
Spanning Rs 4,600 crore, this interim budget sets the stage for comprehensive fiscal planning post the year-end assembly elections, where welfare promises could sway voters in the politically charged state.