DA and DR to rise to 38% from October; Budget also promises 1 lakh government jobs, enhanced social benefits and fresh infrastructure projects despite a debt burden of Rs 8.15 lakh crore
Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Monday, June 22, presented its first full Budget since taking office, unveiling a mix of employee-centric measures, welfare commitments, recruitment plans and infrastructure investments aimed at accelerating growth and improving public services.
Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced a 20-percentage-point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for state employees and pensioners.
Effective October 1, the revision will raise the rate from 18% to 38%, significantly narrowing the gap with Central government employees. The Budget also revealed that the state’s outstanding debt has reached Rs 8,15,891 crore.
In a major employment push, the government pledged to fill 1 lakh vacancies, including 20,000 police positions and 50,000 teaching and education-related posts. Notably, 33% of all new appointments will be reserved for women. “We must ensure that welfare benefits reach the most vulnerable sections of society,” Dasgupta said while reaffirming the continuation of flagship social schemes.
Among the key announcements are Rs 36,000 crore for Annapurna Yojana, Rs 550 crore for free bus travel for women, Rs 3,000 monthly support for unemployed youth under Bhorsa Karmasathi, a Rs 5,000 hike for ASHA workers, scholarships of Rs 50,000 for girl students, and new women’s colleges.
The government also announced plans for a greenfield airport near Kolkata, a deep seaport in Purba Medinipur, and land allocation for Navodaya Vidyalayas, signalling a broader focus on infrastructure-led development and long-term economic growth.
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