TMC Leaders Highlight North Bengal Gains in West Bengal Budget
Siliguri: Leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) across North Bengal have described the latest West Bengal State Budget as focused on welfare, infrastructure expansion and regional development, with particular emphasis on districts in the northern part of the state. Party representatives addressed the media in multiple districts to explain how various allocations and schemes could impact local communities.
The budget discussion has drawn attention to sectors such as road connectivity, tourism, social security, agriculture support and industrial growth. TMC leaders said the government’s financial planning reflects an attempt to balance social welfare initiatives with long-term development goals.
Revenue Growth and Regional Allocations
Senior party functionaries in Siliguri pointed to the rise in state revenue over the years, describing it as an indicator of increased fiscal capacity. They highlighted the expansion of funding for the North Bengal Development department, stating that the region is receiving a significantly higher allocation compared to earlier years.
Tourism, considered a key driver of the hill and Dooars economy, has also received increased attention. Leaders said the higher outlay is expected to support infrastructure improvements, destination promotion and livelihood opportunities linked to the tourism sector.
Roads, Housing and Urban Development
Infrastructure development formed a major part of the discussions. Party leaders noted the ongoing construction and upgrading of rural roads under state schemes, which they said would enhance connectivity between villages, markets and urban centres.
Urban projects were also highlighted, with references to Siliguri’s inclusion under the Smart City initiative. According to party representatives, urban development measures are expected to focus on improved civic amenities, transport systems and planned growth.
Housing and social security programs were presented as central pillars of the state’s policy approach. Leaders stated that multiple welfare schemes are currently operational, aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society, including women, senior citizens and low-income families.
Focus on MSMEs and Trade
TMC leaders in the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri belt said North Bengal is being positioned as an emerging trade and enterprise hub. They pointed to the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in employment generation and economic diversification.
Party representatives also mentioned the establishment and expansion of industrial parks in the region, which they said could attract investment and create job opportunities. Female participation in MSMEs was highlighted as a positive trend contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Tea tourism in the Darjeeling region was cited as an example of how traditional sectors are being integrated with modern tourism models to boost income for local communities.
Welfare Outreach and Awareness
In Jalpaiguri, leaders spoke about efforts to spread awareness of welfare schemes through community-level programmes. These initiatives, they said, are designed to inform residents about available benefits while ensuring that activities do not disrupt ongoing academic examinations.
Women’s leaders in Alipurduar welcomed provisions they believe will strengthen support systems for women. They expressed hope that urban development initiatives in the district would bring improvements in infrastructure and services.
Agriculture and Farmer Support
In agriculturally dependent districts such as Cooch Behar, party representatives said proposals for additional cold storage facilities would help reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers. Better storage infrastructure, they noted, can allow cultivators to sell produce at favourable times rather than immediately after harvest.
Comparing Policy Approaches
Some leaders contrasted the state budget’s emphasis on welfare schemes with national-level budget priorities, arguing that local needs have been given greater importance in the state’s financial plan. They referred to support programmes for farmers, women and youth, along with honorarium enhancements for frontline health and child development workers, as examples of targeted social investment.
District-Level Expectations
In Malda and the Dinajpur districts, party leaders described the budget as supportive of infrastructure upgrades, education, power supply and skill development. They said these measures could help address regional disparities and encourage balanced growth.
Looking Ahead
The discussions across North Bengal reflect the political significance of budget allocations in shaping regional development narratives. While supporters see the proposals as steps toward inclusive progress, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on timely implementation and monitoring at the ground level.
As the financial year progresses, attention will likely remain on how these allocations translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, livelihoods and public services across North Bengal.
