The maiden state Budget of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led West Bengal government has unmistakably placed North Bengal at the heart of its development agenda.
From the tea gardens of Darjeeling and Dooars to the mango orchards of Malda, and the commercial corridors of Siliguri, the state Budget outlines an ambitious roadmap that seeks to transform the region into a major hub of education, healthcare, tourism, industry, agriculture and connectivity.
Perhaps for the first time in recent decades, North Bengal has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of a state Budget. The announcements span almost every district, from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar to Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda, reflecting a strategy aimed at balanced regional development.
At the centre of the vision is Siliguri, the commercial gateway to Northeast India and neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The proposed establishment of an IIT, IIM and AIIMS in North Bengal, coupled with a dedicated IT Park in Siliguri and a proposed Metro Rail feasibility study between Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, signals the government’s intention to transform the region into an educational, healthcare and technology hub.
The proposed municipality at Shiv Mandir in Siliguri is expected to support the city’s expanding urban footprint and improve civic governance.
Boost to healthcare
Healthcare has emerged as another major focus area in the state budget. The proposed AIIMS for North Bengal, a Cancer Hospital and a Trauma Centre in Darjeeling are expected to reduce dependence on Kolkata and other metropolitan centres for advanced medical treatment. For residents of the hills and remote districts, these projects could significantly improve access to specialised healthcare.
Mega Sports Infra Push
The state budget also gives unprecedented importance to sports infrastructure. A Sports University, an international-standard sports stadium and mini indoor stadiums in all 54 Assembly constituencies of North Bengal under the Khelo India initiative have the potential to create a sporting ecosystem capable of nurturing talent from grassroots to professional levels.
Agricultural productivity
Agriculture and irrigation, the backbone of the regional economy, have received a substantial boost through the proposed Rs 11,000-crore Teesta Barrage Project. The project is expected to irrigate nearly 3.42 lakh hectares across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Uttar Dinajpur districts. If implemented successfully, it could transform agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and improve rural incomes across large parts of North Bengal.
Focus on tea sector
The tea sector, one of the region’s largest employers, has also received significant attention. The proposed Tea Workers Development Board, implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana, development of tea infrastructure, a Common Tea Processing Centre in Siliguri and a dedicated Tea Processing Zone are expected to strengthen the industry’s long-term sustainability. The decision to restrict non-tea commercial use of tea garden land from 30 per cent to 15 per cent also underlines the government’s intent to protect tea-growing areas.
Boost to tourism
Tourism emerges as another pillar of the Budget. Darjeeling is proposed to be developed as a premier eco-adventure and heritage tourism destination through promotion of trekking, hiking, paragliding, river rafting and heritage mapping of tea estates and colonial-era structures. The Dooars will benefit from initiatives promoting wildlife, forest and tribal tourism, while religious tourism circuits connecting major pilgrimage destinations are expected to generate employment and attract investment.
Water projects
The hills have also received attention through a proposed Rs 50-crore programme for drinking water projects based on the conservation of springs and jhora sources, addressing one of the region’s most persistent challenges.
Focus on Malda
Malda, often described as the gateway between North and South Bengal, figures prominently in the Budget. The proposal for a new airport is expected to significantly improve connectivity, tourism and business opportunities.
The government has also focused on horticulture and mango-based industries, recognising Malda’s position as one of India’s leading mango-producing districts. The proposal for a women’s college at Kaliachak and new municipalities at Chanchal and Gazole further strengthen the district’s development profile.
Local enterprises in Dinajpur
The Dinajpur region has also received a substantial share of attention. Plans for a textile hub, research facilities and support for traditional weaving and cloth-manufacturing industries could help revive local enterprises and generate employment. New fire stations at Hemtabad and Karandighi in the district and a municipality at Tungidighi are expected to improve civic services and administrative outreach.
Connectivity projects
Connectivity remains one of the strongest themes running through the Budget. Along with the proposed Metro Rail survey, airport expansion under the UDAN scheme at Balurghat and Cooch Behar, and a new airport at Malda, promise to improve regional integration and unlock fresh economic opportunities.
Improving investment climate
Equally significant is the state government’s emphasis on improving the investment climate. The proposed legislation aimed at eliminating syndicate culture and cut-money practices seeks to improve ease of doing business and attract private investment into the state.
While the ultimate success of the state budget will depend on implementation, funding and timely execution, the scale and scope of the proposals have generated optimism across the region.