W.B. Budget for 2023-24 broadens welfare schemes, gives incentives to jobs
The Hindu
Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya said the State’s economy is expected to grow at 8.41% in the current financial year
With an eye on the upcoming panchayat polls, the West Bengal government’s Budget for the year 2023-24 on Wednesday widened the ambit of social welfare schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar, added a new scheme providing death benefits for fishermen, promised financial assistance for micro-enterprise and allocated ₹3000 crore for rural road connectivity and repair of urban roads in the State.
Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya presented a ₹3,39,162 crore Budget and said the State’s economy is expected to grow at 8.41% in the current financial year higher than the estimated national growth rate.
Another key Budget announcement was an increase in 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) for State government employees. While there was no reference to the DA hike in the Budget document, Ms. Bhattacharya made the announcement in the State Assembly after she received a handwritten note from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while tabling the document. A section of State government employees has been protesting seeking DA at par with central government employees and have threatened not to participate in the panchayat polls if their demands were not met.
The Budget linked the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme where cash incentives are rolled out to 1.88 crore women beneficiaries from 25 to 60 years of age with an old age pension scheme once the beneficiaries turn 60. Speaking to journalists, Ms. Bhattacharya said the move will empower women which has been a hallmark of the Trinamool Congress government.
The State government has launched a project ‘Rastashree’ for the construction of new roads revamping existing roads. A total of 11,500 km of rural roads has been taken up under the project and the total allocation for the scheme is close to ₹3000 crore
The Minister also added that the upcoming West Bengal Logistics Policy, 2023, will streamline the logistics sector and leverage the State’s strategic position at the crossroads of South Asia and the ASEAN nations to make it an ideal location for large scale logistics hubs
A 15-year-old study by UoH & WWF-India listed 455 species of flora and fauna in the university
IIT Guwahati Professor D. Udaya Kumar discusses Tamil Nadu's new rupee logo, designed by him, amid controversy.
V.D. Satheesan calls for restoration of SC/ST scholarships, addressing injustice at UDF convention with party leaders present.
UoH students stage day-long protest against the proposed auction at Kancha Gachibowli
Lt. Governor inaugurates Uppanaru Canal Bridge construction with Chief Minister, aiming to ease traffic congestion in Puducherry.
Retired judge-led commission investigates corruption allegations, submits detailed reports, and makes recommendations for government reforms.
Alexander Babu and TM Krishna engage in a lively conversation at The Hindu, blending humor, music, and philosophy.
Manakkad Juma Masjid and other religious institutions in Thiruvananthapuram provide facilities for Attukal Pongala devotees.
Alleged gate ramming at Ratnagiri mosque during Holi procession sparks controversy, refuted by police, AIMIM demands action.
Veterinary students in Vijayawada demand stipend hike, protesting since February 1 for fair compensation during internships.
Enforcement Directorate uncovers financial fraud involving distilleries and bottling companies, siphoning off over ₹1,000 crore in unaccounted-for cash.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.