Empowering Bengal: Mamata Unveils Bold Budget Promises with Monthly Allowance for Unemployed and Increased Lakshmi Bhandar!
As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unveiled a significant intermediate state budget amounting to ₹4.06 lakh crore, primarily focused on boosting welfare initiatives for gig workers, women, and unemployed youth. This budget is a strategic move to expand social safety nets ahead of the elections, as the government seeks to address pressing socio-economic challenges.
Among the budget highlights is a notable increase in the allowance under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme. Starting February 2026, women beneficiaries will receive an additional ₹500 per month. This plan underscores Banerjee’s commitment to supporting women economically and fostering gender equity in the state.
In a bid to uplift gig workers, the budget promises their inclusion in existing state social security schemes such as Swasthyasathi, ensuring these workers receive essential health benefits. Additionally, wages for Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Sahayaks are set to rise by ₹1,000 starting in April 2026. As a further acknowledgment of their service, a compensation package of ₹5 lakh will be provided to the families of Anganwadi workers in the unfortunate event of their death.
The Bengal government is also set to launch a new initiative, Banglar Yuva Sathi, which aims to allocate ₹1,500 monthly to unemployed youths aged 21-40 until they secure employment. This financial support will be available for a maximum of five years and is expected to launch on August 15, contingent upon the Trinamool Congress (TMC) retaining power in the upcoming elections.
Moreover, civic volunteers and Green Police personnel will see their monthly pay increased by ₹1,000, while a 4% hike in dearness allowance for state government employees has also been announced. These updates aim to enhance the financial stability of various workforce sectors.
Following the budget presentation, Chief Minister Banerjee emphasized the administration’s prioritization of public welfare, stating, “We are number one in many schemes like 100 Days Rojgar Yojana, Awas Yojana. But the central government stopped funding for these schemes.” She defended the budget against criticism, insisting it was crafted with the people in mind rather than electoral politics. “We kept our word,” she added, referring to the Lakshmi Bhandar increment and the new opportunities set to benefit gig workers.
Banerjee characterized the budget as “pro-people” and reflective of fiscal discipline, contrasting it sharply with what she described as a “directionless” Union Budget. Despite what she termed a financial deprivation imposed by the central government, she asserted that the allocations focus on key demographics, including women, youth, workers, and those in vulnerable circumstances.
As the political landscape in West Bengal heats up with the forthcoming elections, this budget may serve as a pivotal point for the TMC to consolidate its voter base while addressing the essential needs of its constituents. The dual focus on proactive governance and an eye towards re-election highlights the complexity of state politics, especially amid financial constraints. The TMC’s commitment to welfare promises will be scrutinized as voters prepare to decide their future in 2026.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mamatas-big-budget-promises-to-bengal-as-elections-near-monthly-allowance-for-unemployed-lakshmi-bhandar-hike-more-11770284359162.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-05 16:48:00
