पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य बजट 2017-18 विश्लेषण

मुख्य बातें

• West Bengal's total expenditure in 2017-18 reached approximately Rs 1,76,000 crore in the first full year of GST implementation that fundamentally restructured the state's tax collection framework.
• Revenue receipts grew to Rs 1,22,800 crore despite GST teething troubles, with SGST collections of Rs 18,500 crore replacing the erstwhile VAT regime.
• GST compensation of Rs 5,200 crore from the Centre cushioned the revenue transition as Bengal's MSME-heavy economy adjusted to the new tax regime.
• Kanyashree Prakalpa coverage expanded to 5.8 million girls with Rs 1,500 crore allocation, maintaining West Bengal's position as a national leader in girl child education incentives.
• Education allocation reached Rs 25,200 crore including Rs 6,000 crore for higher education institutional development and faculty recruitment.
• Health expenditure of Rs 11,200 crore expanded Swasthya Sathi coverage to 2.5 million families with enhanced hospitalization coverage limits.
• Agriculture spending of Rs 12,500 crore launched the Krishak Bandhu income support scheme providing Rs 5,000 per acre annually to registered farmers.
• Interest payments of Rs 25,800 crore consumed 21% of revenue receipts as the debt stock crossed Rs 3,40,000 crore.
• Infrastructure allocation of Rs 21,000 crore included Rs 4,500 crore for state highway upgrades and the Kolkata circular rail improvement project.
• MSME sector received Rs 3,200 crore for credit support and technology modernization as small manufacturers adapted to GST compliance requirements.
• Power sector achieved surplus generation capacity with Rs 7,500 crore allocation focused on distribution network strengthening and smart metering.
• Revenue surplus of Rs 4,200 crore marked the second consecutive year of positive revenue balance, demonstrating sustained fiscal discipline.
• Urban development received Rs 6,800 crore with Kolkata Metro East-West corridor progressing toward the Howrah-Sealdah segment completion.
• Social welfare allocation of Rs 5,500 crore covered Jai Bangla pension scheme for senior citizens, widows, and disabled persons with 3 million beneficiaries.