KOLKATA: West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya unveiled an interim budget packed with sops on Thursday, headlining a Rs 500 monthly increase in Lakshmi Bhandar payments. General category beneficiaries jump to Rs 1,500, SC/ST to Rs 1,700, with Rs 15,000 crore dedicated to the program.
This enhancement builds on the scheme’s popularity, aiding millions of women. State workers and pensioners score a 4% DA boost, a timely inflationary hedge.
Bhattacharya promised ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’, offering Rs 1,500 stipends to qualified youth (21-40, secondary passed) from August 15 post-elections, if TMC holds fort.
Rs 1,000 raises extend to civic volunteers, Green Police (Rs 150 crore), and SSA Shiksha Bandhus. The 7th Pay Commission pledge rounds out employee-friendly measures.
The Rs 4,600 crore interim package bridges to the post-poll full budget, as the government ramps up welfare to navigate the high-stakes assembly elections, potentially reshaping Bengal’s political landscape.