Bengal Budget 2026: Rs 3,000 Dole, Kalyani Airport, Sports University

West Bengal's new budget for fiscal 2026 includes a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 for unemployed youth aged 21 to 45 who have not completed formal education. The scheme, called Bhorsha Kormosuchi, also provides Rs 2,000 per month for non-graduates with annual household income below Rs 1 lakh. Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya presented the budget on Monday, allocating Rs 150 crore for a new sports university and funding for an international outdoor stadium.

The budget also sets aside money for Kalyani airport, a project that has been in planning for years. The state government said it will accelerate land acquisition and infrastructure work. Tax relief measures include higher exemption thresholds for salaried individuals and lower rates for small businesses and self-employed professionals. The standard deduction for salaried taxpayers was raised to Rs 75,000 from Rs 50,000.

A new tribal university received Rs 200 crore in capital outlay. The sports university, to be built in the Kalyani region, will offer degrees in sports science, coaching, and management. The international stadium is expected to seat 50,000 spectators and host athletics and football events.

The dole program targets roughly 2.5 million unemployed youth in the state, according to budget documents. Eligibility requires registration on the state employment portal and a biometric verification. The total outlay for the scheme is Rs 9,000 crore annually, funded through a mix of state tax revenue and central grants.

For investors, the budget signals a shift toward direct income support and infrastructure spending. Companies involved in construction, airport development, and education technology could see contract opportunities. The sports university and stadium will require equipment, turf, and seating suppliers. Local cement and steel demand may get a modest lift.