West Bengal Government Accelerates Yuva Sathi Scheme Launch to April 1
In a significant announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Tuesday that the state's Yuva Sathi scheme will be rolled out from April 1, a substantial advancement from the previously planned August 15 launch date. The decision, revealed during a press briefing in Kolkata, aligns the welfare initiative with the commencement of the new financial year.
Direct Financial Support for Unemployed Youth
The Yuva Sathi scheme, initially proposed in the vote-on-account budget, is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to the state's unemployed youth. Eligible beneficiaries, aged between 21 and 40 years who have passed the Madhyamik examination, will receive a direct cash transfer of Rs 1,500 per month. This support will continue until they secure employment or for a maximum period of five years, whichever occurs first.
"Earlier, we had decided to launch the scheme on August 15. But as the financial year begins on April 1, we decided to implement it from April 1," stated Chief Minister Banerjee, emphasizing the administrative rationale behind the revised timeline.
Extensive Enrollment Camps Across Assembly Segments
To ensure widespread participation and accessibility, the state government will organize special enrollment camps in all 294 assembly segments of West Bengal. These camps are scheduled to operate from February 15 to February 26, excluding public holidays, with daily hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The enrollment process will be fully digitized, with applicants receiving official receipts upon submission of their details. "Applicants will receive receipts after submitting their details, and the entire process will be digitized," Banerjee confirmed, highlighting the government's commitment to transparency and efficiency.
Inclusive Eligibility and Integration with Existing Schemes
In a move to maximize inclusivity, the Chief Minister clarified that beneficiaries of other state scholarship programs—such as Aikyashree, Medhashree, Shikhyashree, or the student smart card—will also be eligible for the Yuva Sathi scheme. This integration aims to provide comprehensive support to students and unemployed individuals without exclusion.
Furthermore, these enrollment camps will serve a dual purpose by allowing registration for other state welfare initiatives. Banerjee detailed additional benefits, including:
- Krishak Bandhu scheme: Provides Rs 2 lakh as compensation in the event of a beneficiary's death, along with crop insurance.
- Financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per year for farmers with over 1 acre of land and Rs 4,000 per year for those with 1 katha of land.
- Rs 2,000 twice a year for landless farm laborers who register at the camps.
Physical Application Process and Timely Disbursements
Given the tight schedule, the government has opted for a physical application submission process rather than an online approach. "Given the brief time frame, the government was not adopting an online approach, as submissions and reviews would take time and people might be deprived," Banerjee explained, ensuring that no eligible individual is left out due to procedural delays.
The Chief Minister also addressed other welfare disbursements, noting that beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme are already receiving increased financial assistance. "The disbursement was delayed by a few days due to the vote-on-account. They will receive the increased amount from February," she assured.
Future Review and Seasonal Considerations
A comprehensive review of the Yuva Sathi scheme will be conducted after five years to assess its impact and effectiveness. Banerjee also touched upon the upcoming festive season, mentioning that "Ramzan will begin soon. Holi, Eid, and Ram Navami are approaching. If polls coincide with the occasions, so be it—everything will take place simultaneously," indicating the government's preparedness to manage multiple events concurrently.
This accelerated launch of the Yuva Sathi scheme underscores the West Bengal government's proactive approach to addressing youth unemployment and providing sustained financial support during these challenging economic times.
