West Bengal Leader Urges Migrant Workers to Return Home with Promises of Job Opportunities

Call for Migrant Workers to Return

(With images) Jalpaiguri, July 27 - On Monday, West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari appealed to the state's migrant workers to return home, assuring them that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government would create job opportunities and provide 125 days of work for those who obtain job cards. Earlier, Suvendu provided financial assistance to the families of 11 migrant workers from the state who tragically lost their lives in a recent tunnel collapse in Sikkim's Namchi district, and announced government jobs for one member from each of the nine affected families. After meeting with the impacted families at the Jalpaiguri District Magistrate's office, the Chief Minister informed reporters that each of the 11 families would receive a total of ₹21 lakh as compensation.

Government Initiatives for Employment

He urged workers who had gone to other states in search of jobs to return, stating that the state is entering a 'phase of development' and outlined several initiatives to boost industrial growth in North Bengal. Suvendu stated, 'I appeal to migrant workers to come back. The state government is ready to provide employment opportunities.'

Support for Returning Workers

Those who return will be able to create new job cards and secure 125 days of work. The central government is providing free rations, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme is available, while those not covered will benefit from the Chief Minister's health insurance scheme. 'We will ensure that they face no difficulties upon their return,' he added. Suvendu also mentioned that the state government would allocate 15 acres of land for dairy cooperation Amul in North Bengal, similar to initiatives in South Bengal.

Challenges in the Tea Industry

He highlighted the challenges faced by the tea industry, noting that 25 tea gardens in the state are currently closed, forcing many workers to migrate to other states for employment. The Chief Minister announced that the state has been included under the 'Prime Minister's Tea Workers Scheme,' which has allocated ₹330 crore for financial assistance to tea garden workers.

Future Prospects for Tea Gardens

He expressed hope that, with the efforts of Labor Minister Arjun Singh and the Chairman of the Tea Board, 10 to 12 of the closed tea gardens would reopen in the next two to three months. The government is also working to promote agriculture-based industries in Malda, focusing on food processing units for mangoes, lychees, fox nuts, pineapples, and corn, as well as industries based on the region's famous 'Tulainpaji' rice.

Commitment to Development in North Bengal

Reiterating the government's commitment to the development of North Bengal, he stated that this region remains a priority for the state administration. After providing assistance to the families affected by the tunnel incident in the neighboring state, the Chief Minister said, 'Today we have provided financial help to the families of the deceased workers. Members of nine families will receive government jobs.'

Job Opportunities for Affected Families

Seven of these individuals will be appointed as Home Guards, while two will serve as civil volunteers. 'In this time of grief, we stand firmly with these families,' he remarked. Adhikari personally handed over appointment letters and financial assistance from the state government to the affected family members, many of whom had come from Malbazar and other areas of North Bengal.

Support for Grieving Families

He also spoke with the parents, spouses, and siblings of the deceased workers, stating, 'This is not an act of charity, but our responsibility. The state government is providing ₹5 lakh to each grieving family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.'

Compensation from Various Sources

The Sikkim government has already provided ₹4 lakh to each family. The public sector company involved in the project is compensating each family with ₹5 lakh, while the private contractor is also providing ₹5 lakh to each family. The Prime Minister has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.

Immediate Response to the Tragedy

He noted that the state government was in contact with the Sikkim government immediately after the incident and offered all possible assistance for rescue operations, including helicopters if necessary.

Welfare Schemes for Women

Suvendu discussed various welfare schemes of his government, stating that the verification process for beneficiaries under the Annapurna scheme is ongoing and will be completed by August 30. 'Women who are eligible but have not received benefits under the Annapurna scheme need not worry. The verification process is underway, and all eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance transparently.'

Financial Aid for Women Beneficiaries

The BJP government provides ₹3,000 monthly financial assistance to women beneficiaries under the Annapurna scheme. A senior official from the state government reported that many women have already received payments for June and July, while the verification process for remaining applicants is ongoing.

Expansion of Government Services

Later, after inaugurating the Siliguri-Bardhaman Road flyover, Suvendu addressed a public gathering, stating that the state government and its departments would expand operations by relocating to the North Bengal Secretariat 'Uttarkanya.' He emphasized that this would eliminate the need for residents of North Bengal to travel to Kolkata for government services.

Completion of Infrastructure Projects

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the completion of the Siliguri-Bardhaman Road flyover, while alleging that delays in the project were due to the previous Trinamool Congress government's lack of cooperation with the center. Suvendu described the Siliguri Corridor (also known as the 'Chicken's Neck') as strategically important for North Bengal, stressing the need for continuous infrastructure development in this region.

Budget Allocation for North Bengal

This corridor connects the northeastern states with the rest of the country. The Chief Minister announced that his government has doubled the budget allocation for North Bengal and noted that there are 10 ministers from this region in his cabinet, which he termed 'unprecedented.'