West Bengal Govt Announces ₹500 Hike for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, ₹1,000 More for ASHA and Anganwadi Workers

The Mamata Banerjee government announced higher allowances for women under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, and a salary rise for ASHA, Anganwadi workers and civic volunteers as part of the FY27 vote‑on‑accounts presented on February 5, 2026, as per news reports. 

Allowance Increase Under Lakshmir Bhandar 

The monthly allowance for women covered by Lakshmir Bhandar has been raised by ₹500. General category beneficiaries will now receive ₹1,500 per month, while scheduled tribe and scheduled caste beneficiaries will receive ₹1,700.  

An additional ₹15,000 crore has been earmarked for the scheme, bringing total allocation to roughly ₹32,000 crore. The benefit reaches about 2.4 crore women aged 25‑60 who are not employed by the government. 

Salary Uplift for ASHA, Anganwadi Workers and Volunteers 

A uniform increase of ₹1,000 per month has been approved for ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, para teachers and civic volunteers.  

These workers typically earn between ₹8,000 and ₹20,000 monthly. The raise will take effect from April 2026. A death compensation of ₹5 lakh for the nearest kin has also been introduced. 

Read More: PM Kisan Scheme: Is Farmer ID Mandatory for All Beneficiaries to Get 22nd Instalment?! 

Fiscal Context and Other Budget Highlights 

The state presented a budget of ₹4.06 lakh crore for 2026‑27, up from ₹3.89 lakh crore the previous year. The projected fiscal deficit stands at 2.91% of state GDP and the revenue deficit at 1.01% of GDP.  

Debt as a share of GDP fell to 38% from 40% a year earlier. The budget also extended the exemption on agricultural income tax for green tea leaves and the cess exemption on tea production until March 31, 2027. 

Conclusion 

The announced allowance and salary increases aim to boost disposable income for low‑income groups ahead of the upcoming assembly election. The measures are part of a broader budget that seeks to balance social spending with fiscal targets. 

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