Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari appealed to West Bengal migrant workers to come back, promising 125 days of work, free ration and health benefits after the tragic tunnel collapse in Sikkim that claimed 11 lives.

Key Takeaways

  • CM urges Bengal migrants to return
  • 125 days of work and fresh job cards promised
  • Compensation of ₹21 lakh per family of Sikkim tunnel victims

Return Appeal in Jalpaiguri

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday urged migrant workers from West Bengal to return to the state, assuring that the government will provide 125 days of work to those who obtain new job cards. He emphasized free ration, Ayushman Bharat and the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme for those not covered under the national program.

Compensation and Job Allocation

Following the tunnel collapse in Namchi, Sikkim, which killed 11 Bengali workers, Adhikari announced a financial assistance of ₹21 lakh for each affected family and government jobs for members of nine bereaved families – seven as home guards and two as civic volunteers.

Industrial Push in North Bengal

The CM outlined plans to accelerate industrial growth: 15 acres earmarked for Amul dairy, a ₹330‑crore Prime Minister Tea Workers’ Scheme to revive 10‑12 closed tea gardens, and agro‑based processing units for mangoes, litchis, makhana, pineapple, maize and Tulaipanji rice.

Historical Background of Migration

For the past two decades, West Bengal has seen millions of its labor force migrate to other states due to limited local employment opportunities. Previous schemes failed to create enough jobs, leading to a persistent outflow. The promise of guaranteed 125‑day work and comprehensive welfare aims to reverse this trend.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that guaranteed employment combined with immediate financial relief is a proven method to curb distress migration, especially after a tragedy that heightens public anxiety.

"Providing guaranteed employment is a proven strategy to curb distress migration," says Dr. Ananya Singh, labour economist.
Did You Know?: West Bengal once supplied over 30% of India’s migrant labor force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can a migrant obtain the 125‑day job card?
A: After returning, they must register with the state Labour Department and present proof of residence to receive a new job card.

Q2: What is the total compensation for families of the Sikkim victims?
A: Each family receives ₹21 lakh from the state, ₹4 lakh from the Sikkim government, ₹5 lakh from the public sector company, ₹5 lakh from the private contractor, and an ex‑gratia of ₹2 lakh announced by the Prime Minister.