Don’t Have a Job? Then, Stand in Line. BJP Criticises WB Jobless Aid Scheme

The West Bengal government on Sunday began registration camps across the state to enrol unemployed youth under the newly announced Banglar Yuba Sathi scheme, prompting criticism from the BJP over the reliance on physical queues instead of an online application system.

Camps have been set up in all 294 Assembly constituencies and will operate daily from 10 am to 5 pm till February 26. Long queues were witnessed at several locations, with applicants, including postgraduates, lining up to register. The camps are also accepting applications for other welfare schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar for women, Krishak Bandhu , and allowances for farm labourers.

Under the Banglar Yuba Sathi scheme, unemployed youth aged between 21 and 40 years will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for up to five years or until they secure employment. Applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal, have passed at least Class 10, and be currently unemployed. Registration requires submission of Aadhaar-linked bank details, identity proof, educational certificates, photographs, and a self-declaration of unemployment. The scheme will come into effect from April 1, following its announcement in the recent state budget by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee .

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari questioned why the government was forcing jobless youth to stand in queues instead of allowing online applications. He alleged that the scheme would suffer the same fate as a similar initiative launched in 2013, which he claimed was discontinued with no funds allocated since 2017–18.

The ruling Trinamool Congress dismissed the criticism, blaming the BJP-led Centre for inadequate job creation and for blocking the state’s dues. State cabinet minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the government remains committed to continuing welfare schemes despite financial constraints.