Kolkata: The launch of Banglar Yuva Sathi, a fresh monthly financial assistance scheme for unemployed youth in West Bengal, has been met with both political criticism and public need. Registration camps opened on February 15th and have seen significant turnout as young people seek to enroll in the program.
Political Backlash and Accusations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of failing to address youth unemployment during its 15 years in power. Bengal BJP’s chief spokesperson, Debjit Sarkar, alleged a lack of transparency in the scheme’s implementation, questioning why applications are not being filed online and suggesting We see an “election gimmick.” Sarkar also criticized the allowance amount, stating it equates to ₹50 a day and forces residents to seek employment in other states.
The TMC responded, with state general secretary Kunal Ghosh defending Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s actions and urging the BJP to address unemployment rates in states under its control. Ghosh stated that despite alleged blockage of funds from the central government, Banerjee is prioritizing the needs of young people.
Scheme Details and Public Response
The Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who have passed the state secondary board examination. The allowance will continue until recipients identify employment or for a maximum of five years, excluding those already benefiting from other schemes. While the initial budget indicated a start date of August, Chief Minister Banerjee announced benefits would begin April 1st.
Initial reactions from applicants have been mixed. While many welcome any financial assistance, some expressed frustration with the need for such a program, highlighting the challenges faced by educated individuals in finding employment. Krishna Dutta, a homemaker in East Burdwan district, noted her son, a master’s degree holder, is currently working in Odisha and applying for the allowance. Saptarshi Ghosh, in Kolkata, stated that “some aid is better than nothing” despite holding first-class degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme?
It is a monthly financial assistance scheme for unemployed youth in West Bengal aged 21-40 who have passed the state secondary board examination, providing ₹1,500 per month for up to five years.
What is the BJP’s criticism of the scheme?
The BJP alleges the scheme lacks transparency and is an “election gimmick,” criticizing the allowance amount as insufficient and highlighting the TMC’s alleged failure to create jobs over the past 15 years.
When will applicants begin receiving benefits?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that applicants would receive the allowance starting April 1st, despite the initial budget indicating a start date of August.
As registration continues across West Bengal’s 294 assembly constituencies, it remains to be seen how effectively the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme will address the challenges of youth unemployment and whether it will quell the political debate surrounding its implementation.
