West Bengal Budget 2026: What Gig Workers And Migrants Are Getting From This Budget

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 15:45 IST

WB Budget 2026 proposes welfare boards for gig workers and migrants, Ayushman Bharat cards, One Nation One Ration Card coverage and skill development in migration-prone districts.

Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented a series of announcements for gig workers, platform workers and migrant labourers in the West Bengal Budget 2026 tabled in the state assembly on Monday, proposing dedicated welfare boards and a range of social security measures for both groups.

Welfare Board For Gig And Platform Workers

With the role of gig and platform workers growing in significance in the changing economic landscape, the state government has proposed setting up a dedicated welfare board for them. The board will roll out welfare schemes and social security provisions for gig workers.

Additionally, the budget announced free drinking water and mobile charging facilities for gig workers to improve their working conditions.

What Does The Budget Offer Migrant Workers?

For migrant labourers, the budget proposed a set of measures aimed at improving their living standards and social protection. Migrant workers will be provided Ayushman Bharat cards for health coverage and will be brought under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, allowing them to access subsidised foodgrain from any part of the country.

The government also announced special initiatives to create new employment opportunities in migration-prone districts of the state, along with skill development programmes to train local residents and generate alternative livelihood options.

MLA Funds, DA And Government Recruitment

Beyond the announcements for workers, Finance Minister Dasgupta packed the budget with several other major decisions. The MLA Local Area Development fund has been increased by Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

On dearness allowance, the minister announced that government, semi-government, teaching and non-teaching staff will now receive a total DA of 38 per cent — with an additional 20 per cent being added to the existing 18 per cent.

The budget also reiterated the filling of 1 lakh vacant posts in government offices, with 33 per cent of these reserved for women.

FM’s Vision For The State

Dasgupta had earlier stated that the budget’s overarching goal was to ensure that people have earning opportunities, industries can grow, and West Bengal can be built into a modern, progressive economy. The budget also reiterated the earlier announcement of recruiting 50,000 teachers and outlined broad allocations for education reform and industrial growth.

In The Assembly

The budget session began in the state assembly with MLAs from all parties in attendance. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari left Shantikunjha in Kanthi on Monday morning at around 10 am and arrived directly at the assembly to attend the budget session. The finance minister began his budget speech at noon.

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