100 percent loan without collateral, FM Chandrima announced in WB budget

West Bengal's Minister of State with Independent Charge of Finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, announced a series of welfare schemes and budget allocations. Among them, the Future Credit Card scheme stands out, offering a 100% collateral-free loan with a nominal 4% interest, with the state government covering the remaining interest.

Additionally, the Youth Apprentice Scheme aims to provide training opportunities in various industries, benefiting 1 lakh youth annually with an allocation of 200 crores. Furthermore, the Samudra Sathi scheme, directed towards fishermen, will benefit two lakh fishermen across three districts, with an allocation of 200 crores.

Moreover, the state budget unveils significant increases in allowances and benefits. Scheduled caste and tribal women will now receive Rs 1,200 per month, up from Rs 1,000, while women under the general category will receive Rs 1,000 per month. The budget also reflects a proactive approach towards poverty alleviation, with over 2 crore people lifted from poverty during Mamata Banerjee's tenure.

Despite challenges and pending dues from the Center amounting to 1.18 lakh crore rupees, the state government aims to create 28 crore working days in the financial year 2024-25, alongside increasing allowances for Civic, Village, and Green Police.Furthermore, Chandrima Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's vision, stating, "What our honorable Chief Minister thinks today, the rest of India thinks tomorrow."

Additionally, a significant announcement was made regarding the Gangasagar Bridge, with Rs 1200 crore earmarked for its development. Furthermore, the budget includes insurance coverage of Rs 100 crore for 20 lakh potato farmers and aims to address unemployment, highlighting that the state's unemployment rate is 3% lower than the national average.

The budget also focuses on education and infrastructure development. A proposal for a new bridge in Kachuberia to ease access to Gangasagar has been put forth, along with initiatives to provide smartphones to students upon passing secondary school and admission. Moreover, stamp duty on property gifts has been reduced to Rs 1000 from the previous 0.5% charge, aiming to facilitate property transactions.