Mamata Banerjee launches ‘Sramasree’ scheme for rehabilitation of migrant labourers
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on recently unveiled a new welfare initiative named Sramasree, aimed at rehabilitating migrant workers from Bengal who have returned to the State after facing hardships in other parts of India, including alleged crackdowns in BJP-ruled states where Bengali Muslims were labelled as “Bangladeshis.”
Announcing the scheme after a Cabinet meeting at Nabanna, Banerjee said returning workers would receive immediate support, including a one-time payment of ₹5,000, travel assistance, and a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 for one year until they secure fresh employment. The State Labour Department has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation.
Banerjee added that beneficiaries would be included under existing social welfare schemes such as Khadya Sathi and Swasthya Sathi, while skill training under Utkarsh Bangla would ensure their employability. Job cards under the Karmasree scheme would also be issued, with the Chief Minister noting that 78 lakh such cards had already been distributed.
The government has further promised accommodation in community centres for the homeless, schooling for children, and access to schemes like Kanyasree and Shikshasree. Banerjee said all 22.40 lakh Bengal-origin workers employed outside the State would be eligible upon registration on the Sramasree portal, through which identity cards would be issued to ensure access to benefits.
Citing recent returns, Banerjee said nearly 10,000 distressed workers had come back to Bengal in the past few days, with 2,700 families fleeing other States after alleged harassment. Accusing BJP-ruled states of targeting Bengalis, she remarked, “If someone speaks Bengali, he is being labeled as a criminal. Somewhere he is pushed to Bangladesh, somewhere he is put in jail.”
The Chief Minister also underlined that while migrant workers from Bengal faced discrimination outside, nearly 1.5 crore people from other regions were earning their livelihood peacefully within West Bengal.
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MP: 12 labourers killed, 20 injured as pick-up van overturns and crashes into SUV
Dhar (MP) (PTI): Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others injured when the pick-up van carrying them overturned and collided with an SUV in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night, an official said.
The incident occurred at 8:30-9 PM. According to preliminary information, 35 labourers were returning home in a pickup van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing. The vehicle overturned and collided with an SUV coming from the opposite direction.
"Twelve people died on the spot, while approximately 20 others were injured," said Dhar district's in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary.
The seriously injured persons were referred to Indore after initial treatment, he said.
Choudhary, DIG Mayank Awasthi, and police personnel rushed to the spot.
Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
