As the Suvendu Adhikari government tabled its maiden state budget on Monday, Darjeeling MP and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Raju Bista welcomed the proposals mentioned in the crucial financial statement, describing it as a development-oriented roadmap that balances fiscal discipline with welfare and infrastructure growth.
Congratulating Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, Bista said the state budget focuses on employment generation, women’s empowerment, education, healthcare and regional development despite inheriting a substantial debt burden.
Highlighting key provisions, Bista welcomed the decision to fill one lakh government vacancies, a 20 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance for state employees and pensioners, and enhanced welfare measures for women, senior citizens, civic volunteers, ASHA and ICDS workers. He also praised the allocation for rural employment, Annapurna Yojana and support for unemployed youth.
Referring to North Bengal, Bista said the state Budget demonstrates a strong commitment to the region through proposals for an IIT, IIM and AIIMS, a Tea Workers Development Board, an international-standard sports stadium and the Rs 11,000-crore Teesta Barrage Project.
The BJP MP also welcomed the allocation for the Siliguri IT Park, establishment of a new municipality at Shiv Mandir, expansion of airport connectivity under the UDAN scheme, and the proposed techno-economic survey for a Metro Rail link between Siliguri and Jalpaiguri.
According to Bista, the state Budget reflects the vision of building a prosperous, transparent and self-reliant West Bengal while ensuring balanced development across all regions.