KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a new rehabilitation scheme named ‘Sramashree’ for migrant laborers returning to the state. Under the new scheme, each registered migrant worker who returns will receive a monthly financial aid of ₹5,000 for a period of up to one year, or until they secure new employment within the state.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Banerjee stated that the new initiative is aimed at helping migrant workers who have been allegedly harassed and tortured in BJP-ruled states. She also announced that in addition to the monthly aid, a one-time travel assistance of ₹5,000 will also be provided to the returning workers.
The Chief Minister said the primary objective of the ‘Sramashree’ scheme is to bring back Bengali migrant workers and help them become financially independent. The state’s Labour Department will be the nodal agency for implementing the scheme, and a dedicated portal will be launched for workers to register and avail the benefits.
Banerjee added that returning workers will also be enrolled in other state government welfare programs, such as the ‘Khadya Sathi’ (food assurance) and ‘Swasthya Sathi’ (health) schemes. She also mentioned that the government would provide skill training under the ‘Utkarsha Bangla’ scheme to help them find new jobs.
This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state and is being seen as a strategic move to address the concerns of the large Bengali migrant worker population, a significant voter base.
