The cover of the budget file, prepared using a combination of cotton and jute to highlight the traditional handicrafts of Bengal, has received praises from various quarters.
Photo: SNS
West Bengal finance minister Swapan Dasgupta is currently presenting the first state budget after the formation of the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the state assembly. Amid this, the budget file, prepared using a combination of cotton and jute to highlight the traditional handicrafts of Bengal, has received praises from various quarters.
The file that symbolises the connection between tradition and modernity, may be seen as a reflection of the government’s commitment towards the rich handicraft heritage, rural economy and local artisans of the state.
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Speaking at the floor of the House, the state Finance Minister said that the government will recruit around one lakh people for various posts in the state government with 33% reservation for women. This would include 20,000 vacant posts in the police force as well.
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Dasgupta also announced that DA will be raised by 20% from October 2026. The MLA local area development funds will also be increased from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore annually.
Moreover, for the benefit of women commuters, Rs 550 crore will be allocated for the free bus scheme, exclusively for them, as well as Rs 36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojna, women’s financial assistance programme.
In a major announcement, the state government will also allocate land for a new greenfield airport near Kolkata at Kalyani, the Finance Minister said.
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