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West Bengal's Crucial Vote-on-Account Today: Focus on Laxmir Bhandar Scheme

West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya is presenting a crucial interim Budget, or vote-on-account, in the state Assembly. The focus is squarely on whether the government will increase the monthly payout under its flagship 'Laxmir Bhandar' welfare scheme for women ahead of the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the state is set to significantly surpass its budgeted market borrowings for the current financial year. This is expected to push the state's accumulated debt far beyond the previously projected figure of over Rs 7 lakh crore.

Key Points: West Bengal Interim Budget: Laxmir Bhandar Scheme in Focus

  • Interim Budget presented ahead of elections
  • Potential hike in Laxmir Bhandar scheme payouts
  • State's market borrowings set to exceed budget
  • Accumulated debt projected to rise sharply
3 min read

Crucial 'Vote-on-Account' in West Bengal Assembly today

WB Finance Minister presents vote-on-account. Key focus on potential hike in Laxmir Bhandar dole for women ahead of state polls.

"the state government might increase the amount paid under the scheme, eyeing the dedicated women's vote bank - Political observers"

Kolkata, Feb 5

West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya will present the crucial interim Budget on the floor of the state Assembly on Thursday.

The full Budget for the financial year 2026-27 will be presented on the floor of the House by the new cabinet after the crucial state Assembly elections, scheduled later this year.

The sole reason for which the interim Budget will be in focus is the curiosity over the possibility of increased allocation under the 'Laxmir Bhandar', the monthly dole scheme of the state government for the women of the state.

Currently, the women in the general category are entitled to a monthly dole amount of Rs 1,000 under the scheme. On the other hand, the women from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories are entitled to a monthly amount of Rs 1,200.

Political observers feel that the state government might increase the amount paid under the scheme, eyeing the dedicated women's vote bank for Trinamool Congress during the last few elections.

However, it is not yet clear how much that enhanced amount could be. In the last five years, the state government has spent Rs 74,000 crore in cash to women through this project alone.

A total of Rs 27,000 crore has been allocated in the last financial year 2025-2026.

The interim Budget will be presented on Thursday amid indications that the West Bengal government is all set to surpass the budgeted market borrowings for the current financial year of 2025-26 as well as its projected accumulated debt by March 31, 2026.

As per the budget documents for the financial year 2025-26, the state government was slated to borrow a total of Rs 81,972.333 crore from the open market in 2025-26.

However, according to the Reserve Bank of India's existing and projected borrowing figures of the West Bengal government, the total borrowings by the state government during 2025-26 will be Rs 1,24,000 crore.

As per the revised estimates for 2025-26, the total accumulated debt figure for the state government was slated to increase to Rs 7,06,531.61 crore by the end of the fiscal year under review on March 31, 2026.

Now, with the total market borrowing figure for 2025-26 slated to far exceed the budgeted borrowing figure in the financial year under review, the accumulated debt figure is also expected to be higher than the projected figure.

To recall, by the end of the financial year 2010-11, which was the last fiscal under the previous 34-year-long Left Front rule, the accumulated debt figure of the West Bengal government was little over Rs 1,90,000 crore.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
The debt figures are alarming! ₹7 lakh crore? This is not sustainable governance. While welfare schemes are important, future generations will bear the burden of this borrowing. The budget should have a clear roadmap for fiscal discipline and generating revenue through industry, not just more debt.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on women's welfare. From an outside perspective, it seems like a strategic move before elections. The sheer scale of spending—₹74,000 crore—is massive. I wonder about the long-term economic impact and if there are audits to ensure the money reaches the right beneficiaries.
A
Aman W
All politics aside, if the amount is increased, it will directly help crores of households. My mother receives this and it helps with groceries. In the current economy, even a ₹200-300 increase makes a difference. Hope they also simplify the application process for new beneficiaries. 👍
K
Karthik V
The comparison with the 2010-11 debt is shocking. The debt has multiplied manifold in just over a decade. Where is all this borrowed money going? Beyond popular schemes, we need transparency on infrastructure projects and outcomes. A vote-on-account should be about responsible stewardship, not just populist announcements.
M
Meera T
As a teacher in rural Bengal, I've seen the positive impact of Laxmir Bhandar. Women have a little more dignity and say in financial matters. However, the government must equally focus on health and education budgets. Our schools need more funds for digital infrastructure and teacher training. The interim budget should hint at that balance.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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