Kolkata: Centre on Saturday released Rs 7,866 crore to Bengal as an additional instalment of tax devolution, part of a broader Rs 1,09,019 crore release to state govts on August 1 — ahead of the normal monthly devolution due on August 10.The Union finance ministry said the release was in line with the govt’s commitment to strengthen state finances and accelerate capital and developmental expenditure.Separately, Bengal recorded a 2% year-on-year increase in GST collection to Rs 5,564 crore in July, up from Rs 5,471 crore in July 2025, according to the govt’s monthly GST revenue report.The state’s collection also rose 9.5% over June 2026, when it had stood at Rs 5,082 crore. Since the BJP govt assumed office in May, the state has recorded year-on-year GST growth in two consecutive months.Bengal’s growth has however lagged the national average. Gross domestic GST revenue across the country rose 10.1% year-on-year to Rs 1,44,695 crore in July, while overall gross GST collections — including import-related taxes — grew 15.4% to Rs 2,11,205 crore.
