6 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceEconomySocial IssuesNEWS

West Bengal government announces increased aid for women, unemployment scheme

TMC government increases financial aid for women, introduces new scheme for unemployed youth.

Ahead of the Assembly elections, the West Bengal government has announced an increase in the monthly grant for women under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme by ₹500. A new scheme, 'Banglar Yuba Sathi', will provide unemployment aid of ₹1,500 to youth aged 21-40. The interim budget of ₹4.06-lakh-crore was presented by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.

The state projects a reduced revenue deficit. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will benefit from an additional allocation of ₹1,500 crore, benefiting 2.21 crore members. The 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme has been allocated ₹5,000 crore and will be rolled out from August 15.

The Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari termed the promises as deception.

Key Facts

The West Bengal government has increased the monthly grant for women under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme by ₹500.

A new scheme, 'Banglar Yuba Sathi', will provide unemployment aid of ₹1,500 to youth aged 21-40.

The interim budget of ₹4.06-lakh-crore was presented by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.

The state projects that the revenue deficit will narrow to ₹21,759.34 crore in 2026-27 from the revised ₹41,164.05 crore in the current fiscal.

The hiked allowance under Lakshmir Bhandar will be available from February.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Connects to the syllabus by highlighting welfare schemes, fiscal management, and the role of government in social development.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of welfare schemes.

Visual Insights

West Bengal Government Schemes: Key Statistics

Key statistics related to the Lakshmir Bhandar and Banglar Yuba Sathi schemes announced by the West Bengal government.

Lakshmir Bhandar Beneficiaries: 2.21 crore
Banglar Yuba Sathi Aid Amount: ₹1,500
Lakshmir Bhandar Additional Allocation: ₹1,500 crore
Banglar Yuba Sathi Allocation: ₹5,000 crore

More Information

Background

The announcement of increased aid for women and unemployment schemes in West Bengal comes in the context of the state's socio-economic landscape and upcoming elections. Such schemes often have roots in the broader framework of social welfare policies aimed at addressing inequality and poverty. These policies are influenced by the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. Historically, India has seen various iterations of social welfare programs, evolving from community-based initiatives to large-scale government-sponsored schemes. The success of these programs often depends on effective implementation, targeting the right beneficiaries, and minimizing leakages. The Public Distribution System (PDS), for example, has been a cornerstone of food security, while schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have aimed to provide employment opportunities in rural areas. These schemes are often funded through the state's budget, which is governed by principles of fiscal responsibility and budgetary management. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, while primarily applicable to the central government, sets a precedent for states to maintain fiscal discipline. States also rely on grants and allocations from the central government, as recommended by the Finance Commission, to fund their developmental and welfare programs.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on direct benefit transfer (DBT) to ensure that welfare benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without intermediaries. Schemes like PM-KISAN have leveraged DBT to provide financial assistance directly to farmers. This approach aims to improve efficiency and reduce corruption. However, the effectiveness of these schemes is often debated, with concerns raised about their impact on the state's fiscal health and their potential to influence electoral outcomes. Critics argue that such schemes can lead to a populist approach to governance, potentially compromising long-term economic sustainability. Institutions like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) often caution against excessive reliance on populist measures. Looking ahead, the success of schemes like 'Lakshmir Bhandar' and 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' will depend on their effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The state government will need to balance its welfare objectives with the need to maintain fiscal discipline and promote sustainable economic growth. The role of independent evaluation agencies and civil society organizations will be crucial in assessing the impact of these schemes and ensuring accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key financial allocations announced by the West Bengal government in its interim budget?

The West Bengal government's interim budget includes ₹4.06-lakh-crore total outlay. Key allocations include an additional ₹1,500 crore for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and ₹5,000 crore for the 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme.

2. What is the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme and how has it been modified?

The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme provides a monthly grant to women. The West Bengal government has increased the monthly grant by ₹500.

3. What is the 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme and who is eligible?

The 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme provides unemployment aid of ₹1,500 to youth aged 21-40 in West Bengal.

4. What is the projected revenue deficit for West Bengal and how is it expected to change?

The state projects that the revenue deficit will narrow to ₹21,759.34 crore in 2026-27 from the revised ₹41,164.05 crore in the current fiscal.

5. When will the 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme be rolled out?

The 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme will be rolled out from August 15.

6. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and Banglar Yuba Sathi?

These schemes can provide financial assistance to vulnerable populations, potentially improving their living standards and boosting the economy. However, they also raise concerns about the financial burden on the state and the potential for misuse or dependency.

7. How do these schemes align with the Directive Principles of State Policy?

These schemes align with the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly those related to social welfare and reducing inequality. They aim to provide economic assistance and improve the standard of living for vulnerable sections of society.

8. Why is the West Bengal government announcing these schemes now?

The announcement of these schemes comes ahead of the Assembly elections, suggesting a potential strategy to gain popular support.

9. What is the significance of the ₹500 increase in the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme?

The ₹500 increase aims to provide more substantial financial assistance to women, potentially improving their economic independence and household income. This will benefit 2.21 crore members.

10. What are the key criticisms of these schemes, as highlighted by the Leader of Opposition?

The Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, termed the promises as deception, suggesting concerns about the feasibility and sincerity of the schemes.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme mentioned in the news: 1. It provides a monthly grant to women. 2. The West Bengal government has increased the monthly grant by ₹1,000. 3. The scheme benefits approximately 2.21 crore members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme provides a monthly grant to women in West Bengal. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The West Bengal government has increased the monthly grant by ₹500, not ₹1,000. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The scheme benefits approximately 2.21 crore members, as stated in the news article.

2. The 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme, as announced by the West Bengal government, aims to provide unemployment aid to which age group?

A.18-35 years
B.21-30 years
C.21-40 years
D.25-45 years

Show Answer

Answer: C

The 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme aims to provide unemployment aid to youth aged 21-40, as explicitly mentioned in the news article.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act: 1. It primarily applies to the state governments. 2. It aims to set targets for reducing fiscal deficits. 3. The Act was enacted in 2003. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The FRBM Act primarily applies to the central government, although it sets a precedent for states to maintain fiscal discipline. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The FRBM Act aims to set targets for reducing fiscal deficits. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The FRBM Act was enacted in 2003.

4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Finance Commission?

A.It recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States.
B.It is a constitutional body.
C.It is headed by the Prime Minister of India.
D.It recommends measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT correct: The Finance Commission is NOT headed by the Prime Minister of India. It is headed by a chairman appointed by the President of India. The Finance Commission is a constitutional body (established under Article 280 of the Constitution) that recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State.