Mamata Govt to present 2025-26 budget, focus on welfare, women’s aid & DA hike for staff

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, will present the state budget for 2025-26 on Wednesday. Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya will table the budget, which is expected to prioritize social welfare schemes, financial aid for women, and a possible dearness allowance (DA) hike for state employees. This will be the last full budget before the 2026 assembly elections, increasing its significance for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

According to finance department sources, major allocations are likely for the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, which provides direct cash transfers to women, and the ‘Banglar Bari’ housing scheme aimed at underprivileged families. The government is also expected to expand financial assistance programs for low-income groups and introduce measures to strengthen healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Officials indicate that a potential DA hike for state government employees is under consideration, addressing a long-pending demand. The 2024-25 budget had already increased social sector spending, and this year’s budget is expected to continue that trend. A senior TMC leader stated, “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has always focused on social welfare, especially women’s empowerment. The finance department is considering an increase in the Lakshmir Bhandar allowance.”

Women voters have played an increasingly influential role in Bengal politics. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the state had 3.73 crore registered female voters, just 12 lakh fewer than male voters (3.85 crore). Between 2019 and 2024, the number of registered women voters in Bengal increased by 9.8%. The TMC government has consistently introduced women-centric welfare schemes, and further expansions are expected in the upcoming budget.

Economic data from the state’s Economic Survey 2023-24 shows that West Bengal’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew at a rate of 7.6%, higher than the national average of 7.32%. The budget is expected to continue investments in social and economic infrastructure to maintain growth and fiscal stability. The government had increased its 2024-25 budget size by approximately 8% from the previous year’s ₹3.39 lakh crore, and a similar expansion is expected this year.

The budget will also focus on employment generation, rural development, and urban infrastructure, according to officials. Increased allocations for roads, bridges, and digital infrastructure are expected to be announced. The state’s financial position, revenue collection, and debt management strategies will be closely watched as the government prepares for the 2026 elections.