Nirmala Sitharaman Critiques TMC Government for Hindering West Bengal's Growth

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, for allegedly hindering the state's progress despite receiving full support from the Centre. During a discussion on the Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, she stated that West Bengal has not been overlooked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. Instead, she accused the TMC government of obstructing the development of West Bengal's citizens.

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Sitharaman highlighted that West Bengal withdrew from the Ayushman Bharat scheme in January 2019. She questioned whether this decision benefits the people of Bengal. She also pointed out that industries are leaving the state. Between April 1, 2011, and September 30, 2025, a total of 448 listed companies and 6,447 unlisted companies have exited West Bengal.

Centre's Financial Support to West Bengal

The Union minister emphasised that since 2014, Rs 5.94 lakh crore has been allocated to West Bengal as tax devolution. This amount is a significant increase compared to the Rs 1.34 lakh crore provided during 2004–14. She presented data to illustrate what the Centre has done for West Bengal, including opening AIIMS Kalyani and approving 11 medical colleges under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

Under the NDA government, West Bengal received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 13,955 crore for 2025–26. This allocation is more than three times the average outlay of Rs 4,380 crore during 2009–14. Additionally, 101 Amrit Stations are being developed in the state with an investment of Rs 3,847.5 crore.

Infrastructure Developments in West Bengal

Sitharaman informed that over 2,300 km of National Highways have been constructed in West Bengal since April 2014. Furthermore, she mentioned that in August 2024, the Government of India approved developing Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri at an estimated cost of Rs 1,549 crore.

Responding to TMC MP Sagarika Ghose's concerns about the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Sitharaman clarified that it is not being transferred. Considering revised budget estimates for 2024-25 and budget estimates for 2025-26, Rs 13.25 lakh crore has been transferred since fiscal year 2002-03 under CRIF against a collection of Rs 12.62 lakh crore during the same period.

MGNREGS Funding Increase

The finance minister also highlighted an increase in central funds released to West Bengal under MGNREGS. From FY 2006-07 to FY 2013-14, Rs 14,985 crore was released. However, between FY 2014-15 and FY 2021-22, Rs 54,416 crore was allocated—a rise of 261 per cent. This increase demonstrates the Centre's commitment to meeting MGNREGA beneficiaries' work demands in West Bengal.

Sitharaman further noted that over 1,650 km of railway lines have been electrified in West Bengal. This achievement brings total electrification in the state to over 98 per cent.

With inputs from PTI