Published: 01:08 AM, 28 June 2026
How Far New West Bengal Budget Can Meet People’s Expectations
New West Bengal was presented on the floor of West Bengal Assembly during the afternoon hours of June 22, 2026. It was a hyper expected Budget for the people of this state under Indian Union.
My probing pertaining to this budget is how far it is expected to meet up the needs of these massive hapless citizens of the state. Dr Swapan Dasgupta, the person with a wider vision of mind. Have framed up an objective to steer this state from a state of deep woods to a state of prosperity. The task which has been imposed upon Dr Dasgupta might be a massive one. But the citizens of the state have a firm belief that Dr Dasgupta is such a dynamic personality who by dint of his personality and determination will definitely transform the specter of West Bengal to noble heights. It is already known to the citizens of the state that he has been appointed as finance minister of the state.
It is already known to us that this is the first budget in West Bengal on the aftermath of massive triumph in the just concluded election a month and half back. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, left the state in a dilapidated situation. When Mr Suvendu Adhikary took charge as chief minister of this state of pride of Indian Union, he was in utter darkness that how to steer the state to a prosperous state.
As slowly and steadily when days are passing off just like swift of current, the new finance minister Dr Swapan Dasgupta is gradually tight roping the scenario. Though he is worried that how to help the state to move ahead prosperously. One point is always clear in my mind and conscience that if there is sincere urge and determination, then West Bengal will definitely recover from deep woods.
If some statistical data is added in this column, then the said column looks more exciting. Now let me touch upon the statistical part.
Prior to the presentation of new West Bengal Budget of the year 2026, total debt assumed to be approximately Rs 8.15 lakh crore. Thus, the GSDP level has risen 38% higher than the ideal target of 20% to 25% of other Indian states. Also, annual interest burden has reached to Rs 49,000 crore.
Dr Swapan Dasgupta, might have been debutant in a frontline politics of the nation. But his experience in academic writing, politics, social system and culture sounds so profound, hence about the financial part of the state his erudition has been in its highest keel. We cannot deny at all.
Apart from the above aspects, his focusing aspect might be a massive one. Among all some of the common ones are stated as follow:
Total outlay of the budget has been fixed at Rs 4,38,775 crore.
It is around 1 lakh vacant government positions will be filled up.
Among the above, 33% will be reserved for women.
An attractive new scheme, Bharosa Karmosuchi scheme has been introduced to provide monthly stipends to educated unemployment youth.
A massive allocation of around Rs 36,000 has been made for Annapurna Yojana Welfare scheme. State government employees also expected to receive 20% hike in Dearness Allowance. As per the declaration made by the honourable finance minister of the government of West Bengal, Dr Swapan Dasgupta, he is well aware of that the task imposed upon him is very much tough and challenging. The Budget indicates a strategic shift towards infrastructure led growth, industrial expansion and finally regulatory reform. Apart from welfare allocations by the honourable finance minister, the new budget emphasizes upon investment allocation, development of logistics infrastructure, land governance reforms, establishing data and manufacturing centres. Also, the development of ecosystem is on the cards.
Apart from the above, there will be emphasize upon key sectors so as to upgrade the development of this state from a rotten phase to a prosperous one. There might be various areas by which we may think about development aspect. Among all some of the common ones are stated as follow:
Arresting debt for the development of the state.
Development of AI.
Climate adaptation.
Overcoming energy transition.
If I throw light about the above, then we find that debt control of the previous regime sounds of as paramount importance. It was a pity scenario for us to note that TMC regime of the state was absolutely callous to take note of development aspects. Among the development aspects which should have been taken serious note off by them, debt controlling was one of the most important among all. Now the state is extremely lucky to have eminent persons like Dr Swapan Dasgupta (as finance minister), Suvendu Adhikary as chief minister, Tapas Roy (as Law Minister) etc various other talented leaders in the state BJP bandwagon. Despite BJP to bounce back too late. But key leaders should carry on the baton on their shoulders.
This we cannot doubt at all. To be more elaborate on my thoughts, the development process should be as such. That it should be a thorough teamwork. That is why it is evinced by me from close quarters at present B.J.P bandwagon in West Bengal should work as a team, not single mindedly.
Another positive aspect which has been noticed by me. That West Bengal unit of B.J.P(which is also referred to as double engine government) should lay more stress on macro development. Among all the developments which we lay emphasize, we should emphasize upon industrialization and also development of trade and commerce. During previous regime, whenever Business Summit was held in Kolkata, the participation was not so much of an exhilarating one.
In the midst of functioning of B.J.P regime in West Bengal, there should be fullest participation, which I mean the participation by the Opposition party, which I mean Trinamool Congress (TMC). In a modern industrial age, there should be growth of science and technology. If the above issues sprout, then we may expect employment generation in its fullest extent.
Summation of my above views, the new West Bengal Budget should be treated as an eye opener. There should be full-fledged action instead of being sluggard. I sincerely cherish that education should be flourish in this regime. In order to uplift education of this state, the prolific role should be played by a person of the stature of Dr Swapan Dasgupta, who is a person to deeply reckon with. Dr Dasgupta is a man of season, from whom the citizens of the state have multiple expectations. I am sure that he will definitely live up to people’s expectations which should not be treated as hoax. Rather the people of the state will receive hopes and aspirations from the new state government of the state.
Sujayendra Das is a columnist based
in Calcutta, India.
