Suvendu Adhikari urges Bengal migrants to return, promises jobs after Sikkim tragedy
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday appealed to migrant workers from West Bengal to return to the state, saying the government would create employment opportunities
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday appealed to migrant workers from West Bengal to return to the state, saying the government would create employment opportunities and provide 125 days of work to those who obtain job cards. He said the state was entering an "era of development" and assured returning workers that they would also have access to free ration, Ayushman Bharat, and the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme for those not covered under Ayushman Bharat. Read Full Story He made the appeal in Jalpaiguri after meeting the families of 11 workers from West Bengal who were killed in the recent tunnel collapse in Sikkim's Namchi district. Adhikari also announced financial assistance of Rs 21 lakh for each affected family and government jobs for members of nine bereaved families. Addressing reporters, Adhikari said, "I appeal to migrant workers to return. The state government is prepared to provide employment opportunities. Those who return can obtain fresh job cards and avail themselves of 125 days of work. Free ration is being provided by the Centre, Ayushman Bharat is available, and those not covered under it will receive benefits under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme.
We will ensure that they do not face any hardship after returning." He also outlined plans to speed up industrial growth in North Bengal, saying 15 acres would be allotted to dairy cooperative Amul in the region and that the Industries Department had already identified the land. Adhikari said 25 tea gardens in the state were currently closed, forcing many workers to migrate to other states for jobs. He said West Bengal had been brought under the Prime Minister Tea Workers' Scheme, under which Rs 330 crore had been allocated for financial assistance to tea workers. He expressed hope that 10 to 12 closed tea gardens would reopen within the next two to three months, crediting the efforts of Labour Minister Arjun Singh and the Tea Board chairman. He also said the government was promoting agro-based industries in Malda, including food processing units for mangoes, litchis, makhana, pineapple and maize, along with industries linked to Tulaipanji rice, and reiterated that North Bengal remained a priority for the administration. On the Sikkim tunnel collapse, Adhikari said each of the 11 affected families would receive Rs 21 lakh in assistance.
"Today we have extended financial assistance to all the families of the deceased workers. Members of nine families will be given government jobs. Seven of them have been appointed as home guards, and two will be recruited as civic volunteers. We stand firmly with these families in their hour of grief," he said. He personally handed over appointment letters and financial assistance to family members, many of whom had come from Malbazar and other parts of North Bengal, and met the parents, spouses and siblings of the deceased workers. "This is not an act of charity; it is our responsibility. The state government is providing Rs 5 lakh to each bereaved family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The Sikkim government has already given Rs 4 lakh each. The public sector company involved in the project is paying compensation of Rs 5 lakh per family, while the private contractor executing the work is also providing Rs 5 lakh each. The Prime Minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each of the deceased," he said.
The BriefWire