<h1>West Bengal Budget 2025-26: Rs 1.18 Lakh Crore for Gender Schemes, Rs 59,000 Crore for Child Welfare, Significant Increase</h1> The West Bengal government has allocated Rs 1.18 lakh crore for gender-specific schemes and Rs 59,000 crore for child welfare in the 2025-26 budget. This marks a 38.48% increase in gender-specific funding and a 17.75% rise in child welfare funding compared to 2023-24. The budget includes Rs 34,958.62 crore for women-exclusive schemes and Rs 83,336.27 crore for initiatives focusing on women's development. Additionally, Rs 200 crore is allocated for providing smartphones to ASHA workers, and Rs 150 crore for Self-Help Groups to establish business stalls, enhancing grassroots financial empowerment.