BJP Govt’s Maiden West Bengal Budget Focuses on Women Empowerment and Infrastructure Push

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on Monday presented the first full State Budget for 2026 -27 of the BJP-led government, allocating ₹4.38 lakh crore with a strong emphasis on inclusive development and infrastructure growth. The budget is seen as touching almost every section of society, with a special thrust on “Nari Shakti” aimed at empowering women while accelerating large-scale infrastructure projects.

The announcement received a positive response from the general public, as several welfare measures and developmental initiatives address the needs of diverse segments. Industry bodies have also welcomed the proposals, particularly those promoting ease of doing business and industrial revival.

FICCI West Bengal State Council Chairman Prashant Bangur, stated that the budget places strong focus on industrial growth, investment promotion, and employment generation. He highlighted the proposed West Bengal Investment Promotion Framework, backed by a ₹5,000 crore allocation, as a significant move to attract investments in MSMEs, large industries, and emerging sectors.

Calcutta Chamber of Commerce President Anant Saharia described the budget as a long-awaited reset for the state’s manufacturing, industry, and business ecosystem. He noted that the ₹5,000 crore industrial incentive package and the re-examination of the legacy ULCRA framework address key investor concerns regarding competitive support and productive land use. Saharia pointed out that landmark initiatives such as the greenfield airport near Kalyani and the integrated deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabarh would significantly enhance logistics, export capabilities, supply-chain efficiency, and West Bengal’s position as the gateway to eastern India.

He added that the budget’s emphasis on industrial incentives, infrastructure development, land reforms, renewable energy, and business facilitation represents a decisive shift towards structured industrial revival. This approach is expected to restore investor confidence, boost manufacturing, strengthen MSMEs, and draw large-scale domestic and global capital, potentially positioning West Bengal among India’s leading industrial states.

West Bengal Budget for 2026 -27 presented is in synergy with Union Budget 2026 – 27 and push for implementation of vision of development of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for West Bengal. Budget laid down roadmap of “Bikashito Bangla” in line with ” Vikshit Bharat”