Will the Bengal Budget Focus More on Social Welfare Schemes?

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: The West Bengal state budget is set to be announced this month, and with the 2026 assembly elections on the horizon, it is expected to be a crucial one. The state government's welfare schemes have garnered immense popularity among the public and have played a key role in electoral success. This has raised the question: will the upcoming budget place greater emphasis on social welfare programs?

Many analysts believe that the government is likely to increase allocations for flagship schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar, Kanyashree, Rupashree, Widow Pension, and Banglar Bari. These initiatives, aimed at empowering women, supporting education, and providing financial assistance, have been instrumental in securing voter support. Given their success, the budget may allocate additional funds to expand their reach.

Apart from increasing the budget for existing programs, there is speculation that the government might introduce new social welfare schemes targeting underprivileged communities. With inflation and economic challenges affecting the lower-income population, an expansion of such initiatives could serve both governance and political objectives.