Exciting Boost for Bengal’s Future: Enhanced Welfare Schemes Set to Shine with Budget Push Ahead of Elections!
With West Bengal’s Assembly elections approaching next year, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is prioritizing social security and welfare schemes in its final Budget of the five-year term. The Budget Session starts on Monday, with Minister of State for Finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, presenting the budget on February 12. According to officials, major focus areas include the Banglar Bari housing scheme and the Lakshmir Bhandar financial assistance program for women.
Previously launched due to blocked central funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Banglar Bari aims to provide housing for marginalized communities. The initiative has already supported nearly 12 lakh recipients and plans to extend funds to an additional 16 lakh beneficiaries by the next Assembly elections. The scheme is fully state-funded, with distributions made in two phases.
In the 2024-25 Budget, Lakshmir Bhandar received an additional allocation of Rs 12,000 crore, doubling the monthly allowance for beneficiaries to Rs 1,000 for the general category and Rs 1,200 for SC/ST communities. This increase has significantly bolstered support among women voters, critical for the upcoming elections, and further hikes may be considered.
Despite the state’s fiscal deficit reaching Rs 68,250 crore, reflecting a 37% increase since 2022-23, the TMC government is committed to expanding welfare initiatives. New schemes include Samudra Sathi, providing financial assistance to fishermen, and grants up to Rs 1 lakh for traditional artisans.
This pivotal focus on social welfare is designed to benefit women, youth, and various societal segments, reinforcing the TMC’s electoral strategy. The government is unwavering in its allocation to these social security schemes, signaling its priority of welfare over budgetary constraints as elections near.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bengal-polls-a-year-away-welfare-schemes-to-get-budget-push-9827170/
Category : Cities,Kolkata
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Publish Date: 2025-02-10 05:09:00
