West Bengal Budget 2026: 1 Lakh Government Jobs, 33% Women Quota, DA Raised to 38%
The West Bengal government unveiled major measures in Budget 2026, including one lakh government jobs, a 33 per cent quota for women and a 20 percentage-point DA hike. The budget also prioritised welfare schemes, education reforms and industrial investments to boost employment and economic growth
Key Points
- West Bengal announced 1 lakh new government jobs, including 50,000 teaching posts.
- State employees and pensioners will receive a 20% DA hike from October 1, 2026.
- The budget proposed 33% reservation for women in government jobs.
The West Bengal government on Monday, June 22, 2026, presented its first full budget after the 2026 Assembly elections focusing on employment generation, women’s empowerment and welfare measures. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced several initiatives such as the creation of one lakh government jobs and a 20 percentage point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and pensioners. The budget also proposed a 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs. The announcements are aimed at accelerating economic growth creating employment opportunities and improving social welfare across the state.
Government Jobs and Recruitment Drive Announced
One of the key highlights of the West Bengal Budget 2026 is the announcement of one lakh new government jobs. This includes 20,000 posts in police departments and 50,000 vacant positions in the teaching department. The state government said the recruitment drive will be undertaken across various departments in phases. In addition the government has proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs to increase female participation in public services.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of women aspirants and strengthen gender representation in state administration. The government stated that the reservation policy is aimed at promoting inclusive growth and expanding opportunities for women in the workforce.
DA Hike Explained: How Much Increase Has West Bengal Announced?
State government employees and pensioners have received major relief with the announcement of a 20 percentage point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), taking the overall DA entitlement to 38 per cent. The revised rates will come into effect from October 1, 2026. In addition the government has enhanced the monthly honorarium of civic volunteers, village police personnel, home guards and green police workers by Rs 2,000 providing further financial support to these categories of workers.
What Else Was Announced in West Bengal Budget 2026?
Apart from the recruitment drive and DA hike, the West Bengal Budget 2026 laid emphasis on women focused welfare schemes, education reforms and higher investments in industry to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities. Expectations from the budget were high with many anticipating measures aimed at public welfare a revision in Dearness Allowance and fresh government job opportunities.
Deepanshu Upadhayaya is an education journalist with expertise in covering recruitment examinations, government job notifications, and UPSC success stories. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading media organizations such as Times Network Digital and is currently associated with Jagran New Media, where he covers competitive examinations, recruitment drives, admit cards, results, and exam preparation-related content. A graduate of Motilal Nehru College, University of Delhi, Deepanshu brings a strong understanding of the education sector, through his accurate, timely, and reader-friendly approach. He also holds Master's degrees in Economics and Mass Communication. Apart from covering education news, Deepanshu enjoys singing, playing cricket, and reading books. He can be reached at deepanshu.upadhayaya@jagrannewmedia.com.
