Mamata's Pre-Election Bonanza: ASHA Workers, Unemployed, Women Get Boost in Bengal

• West Bengal government increased 'Lakshmi Bhandar' scheme amount for 2.42 crore women from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, effective February 2026.
• Salaries of ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers increased by Rs 1,000; DA for state government employees raised by four percent.
• New 'Banglar Yuva Sathi' scheme launched for unemployed youth (21-40 years) offering Rs 1,500 monthly for up to five years or until employment.
• Interim budget of Rs 4.06 lakh crore for FY 2026-27 presented, focusing on social welfare and employment assistance.
• Salaries of ICDS workers, para-teachers, Shiksha Bandhu, Shiksha Sahayak, and civic/green police personnel also increased by Rs 1,000.