West Bengal Budget | State government presents ₹3.6 lakh crore budget, says Centre imposed 'financial blockade'

West Bengal Budget 2024: State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya presents the State budget with social welfare policies, accuses Centre of financial blockade on West Bengal.

West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on February 8 presented the budget for 2024-25 with a slew of policies for social welfare and employment generation, even as she accused the Centre of imposing a “financial blockade” on the state.

Tabling a budget of ₹3,66,166 crore, Ms. Bhattacharya said the monthly financial assistance under the ‘Lakhsmir Bhandar’ scheme has been raised to ₹1,200 for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities, whereas for other categories, it has been increased to ₹1,000.

"The Centre has imposed a financial blockade on West Bengal. But, we will not cow down. The State's dues from the central government is nearly ₹1.18 lakh crore," she said.

The Minister also announced an additional 4% dearness allowance (DA) for State government employees from May, in addition to the 4% that was declared in January.

Ms. Bhattacharya said her government introduced a 'Gender and Child Budget Statement' in this year's Budget.

The West Bengal Assembly Budget session began on February 8 amid chaos over the State song being played and BJP legislators singing the national anthem simultaneously.

Speaker Biman Banerjee after entering the House instructed officials to play the State song “Banglar Mati Banglar Jal” before the beginning of the State Budget session.