Mamata Government to Present Budget with Major Push for Women’s Welfare and Social Schemes

Kolkata, February 11 – The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is gearing up to present its budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Wednesday. With Assembly elections slated for 2026, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to focus heavily on social welfare programs, particularly initiatives benefiting women. Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya will unveil the proposals, which insiders suggest will include expanded financial aid, infrastructure boosts, and a potential hike in dearness allowance for state employees.

Key Budget Priorities: Welfare and Electoral Calculations

This budget is the last full-fledged one before the 2026 Assembly elections, making it a crucial opportunity for the TMC to consolidate its voter base. The government is likely to roll out schemes aimed at strengthening its welfare agenda.

• Lakshmi Bhandar, the flagship financial assistance program for women, is expected to see an increase in payouts.
• Banglar Bari, a housing scheme for economically weaker sections, may receive additional funding.
• Healthcare and education spending are projected to rise, continuing the government’s focus on human development.
• Infrastructure projects in urban and rural areas could receive a fresh round of investment.
• State government employees might see an increase in dearness allowance (DA), addressing a long-standing demand.

Sources suggest that a combination of populist measures and fiscal discipline will be the cornerstone of this budget, as the TMC looks to maintain its stronghold in Bengal politics.

Women Voters: The Key Political Battleground

West Bengal’s female electorate has been growing steadily, making them a decisive force in elections. The government’s policies in recent years have reflected this trend, with schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar playing a central role in its welfare strategy.

• In 2024, West Bengal had 3.73 crore female voters, just 12 lakh fewer than male voters (3.85 crore).
• The number of registered women voters rose by 9.8% between 2019 and 2024.
• TMC’s emphasis on direct cash transfer schemes is largely seen as a move to consolidate its support among women.

With opposition parties also stepping up their outreach to women, the 2025-26 budget is expected to reinforce the ruling party’s pro-women image through increased allocations and fresh initiatives.

Economic Performance and Budgetary Trends

West Bengal has maintained a steady economic growth trajectory, with the state’s GDP expanding faster than the national average. However, fiscal challenges remain, particularly in balancing welfare spending with revenue generation.

• The 2024-25 budget saw an 8% increase, bringing the total outlay to ₹3.39 lakh crore.
• As per the Economic Survey 2023-24, the state’s GDP grew by 7.6%, surpassing the national average of 7.32%.
• While welfare remains a priority, the government is also expected to explore revenue-enhancing measures to manage fiscal constraints.

Given the state’s reliance on central funds, any budgetary shortfall could become a political flashpoint in the coming months.

Infrastructure and Social Development: A Balancing Act

Beyond welfare schemes, the budget is likely to emphasize infrastructure development, aiming to boost employment and economic activity.

• Metro and transport expansion plans could receive funding to enhance connectivity across districts.
• Rural electrification and irrigation projects may see new allocations to improve agricultural output.
• Health infrastructure, including upgrades to hospitals and primary health centers, is expected to be on the agenda.

The TMC government has historically pitched its budgets as a balance between social security and economic growth. This year’s budget will likely follow the same blueprint but with a sharper political focus.

What’s at Stake?

With elections a year away, every policy announcement will be viewed through a political lens. The opposition BJP has been critical of the government’s financial management, often questioning its ability to sustain large-scale welfare spending. Meanwhile, the Left and Congress continue to attack TMC over alleged corruption in fund distribution.

The final budget numbers will provide a clearer picture of how the Mamata Banerjee administration plans to navigate economic realities while ensuring electoral gains. All eyes will be on Wednesday’s announcement.