West Bengal Budget 2026 to be Presented on February 2, Employees Expect DA and Pay Commission Announcement
West Bengal Budget: The administrative circles of West Bengal are currently buzzing with anticipation. With the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections on the horizon, expectations among state government employees are reaching a fever pitch. Following the finalization of the dates for the upcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, discussions across government offices—from Nabanna to district levels—are centered on the State Budget 2026. Given the trend observed in recent years where the state government has made employee-friendly announcements during or just before the budget, speculation is rife that this year might bring significant news.
In the context of the forthcoming assembly polls, this budget is poised to be strategically crucial. It is viewed by many as a potential turning point regarding the long-standing demands and grievances of government employees.
Schedule of the Budget Session
The schedule for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly’s budget session has been officially set. The session is slated to commence on January 31st. This year’s timing is particularly significant as the Union Budget is scheduled to be presented the very next day, February 1st. Consequently, the first week of February will be critical from both economic and administrative perspectives, balancing the impact of central announcements with state-level initiatives.
Here is a breakdown of the key dates:
| Date & Day | Event Details |
|---|---|
| January 31st | Commencement of Assembly Budget Session |
| February 1st (Sunday) | Presentation of Union Budget |
| February 2nd (Monday) | Presentation of State Budget |
Key Expectations of Government Employees
With the 2026 Assembly Elections being the primary focus, it is anticipated that the state government might adopt populist measures in this budget. There is intense speculation among employee unions and groups that the government may focus on two specific areas to address grievances and win over the workforce.
1. Announcement of Dearness Allowance (DA)
The core issue driving the agitation of state government employees has been the pending Dearness Allowance. While legal battles may be ongoing, employees remain hopeful that the state government might announce at least one installment of DA in the budget, keeping the elections in mind. Past trends suggest that such announcements are often used to provide immediate relief before polls. In a time of rising inflation, this allowance is vital for maintaining the real value of salaries.
2. Formation of a New Pay Commission
Beyond Dearness Allowance, employees are also waiting for a potentially massive announcement regarding the formation of a new Pay Commission. Typically, a Pay Commission is constituted every ten years to review and revise the salary structure. If the state government announces the formation of this commission in the current budget, it would be considered a major gift to the employees in an election year, impacting their basic pay and long-term benefits.
On Monday, February 2nd, all eyes will be on the State Finance Minister as millions of government employees and their families wait to see if these high hopes are translated into reality.
