The West Bengal government has presented its interim budget for the financial year 2026-27. This budget of ₹4.06 lakh crore attempts to address the needs of every section of society. Several major announcements have been made, especially for women and youth. The Chief Minister and Finance Minister have described it as a budget that fulfills the needs of the people. The biggest highlight of this budget is the expansion of the Lakshmi Bhandar Yojana. This decision by the government is expected to improve the economic condition of millions of women in the state.
Significant Increase in Lakshmi Bhandar Yojana
The biggest news from this budget is the increase in the amount provided under the Lakshmi Bhandar Yojana. The government has announced that from February 2026, beneficiary women under this scheme will receive an additional ₹500 every month. Until now, women belonging to the SC and ST categories received ₹1200. Now they will receive ₹1700 every month. Women in other categories, who previously received ₹1000, will now receive ₹1500. This decision has been taken to make women more economically empowered.
Who will benefit from this scheme?
The government has set certain necessary conditions to avail the benefits of the Lakshmi Bhandar Yojana. This benefit will only be available to women who are permanent residents of West Bengal. The beneficiary woman must be between 25 and 60 years of age. Additionally, the woman's family must be registered under the Swasthya Sathi scheme. This scheme is for women from families where no one has a government job. If anyone in the family receives a regular salary or pension, they cannot be part of this scheme.
Security for Gig Workers
This budget also addresses the needs of those who work through apps or do temporary jobs, known as gig workers. According to the government's proposal, gig workers will now also benefit from the state government's social security schemes. They will also be included in schemes like Swasthya Sathi. This will provide these workers with better healthcare facilities and support their economic situation. The government's move is a great relief for millions of people who earn their livelihood through digital platforms.
Key Budget Highlights
Besides the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme, the budget also includes several important decisions for youth and government employees. The government aims to ensure that the benefits of development reach every individual in the state. Efforts are being made to improve people's living standards through new social security programs. The Finance Minister stated that this budget has been prepared keeping in mind the welfare of the common people. It is expected that these schemes will also strengthen the state's economy in the coming years.
Steps Towards Economic Strengthening
The increase in the amount of the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will directly benefit women in both rural and urban areas. This additional amount will be very useful for them, from covering household expenses to meeting personal needs. The government believes that when women have money in their hands, society will develop more rapidly. Through this budget, the government has tried to convey the message that it stands with women and the working class. The increased amount will start being directly deposited into women's bank accounts from February 2026.
