<h1>West Bengal welfare budget defends expansive social spending, claiming major poverty reduction and targeted farmer transfers.</h1> The interim welfare budget emphasizes sustained social spending and targeted transfers to reduce poverty and unemployment, citing a 1.72 crore poverty reduction claim and a 45.65% decline in unemployment for those aged 15+ between 2017-18 and 2023-24. Core measures include near-universal food and health coverage under Khadya Sathi and Swasthya Sathi, Rs 27,016 crore disbursed to 1.10 crore farmers under Krishak Bandhu, Kharif 2025 payouts, irrigation fee waivers, increased ASHA/ICDS honoraria and benefits, expanded support for gig workers, and contested central dues to the state.