West Bengal Launches ‘Shramshree’ Scheme for Returning Migrant Workers

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the Shramshree Scheme, a first-of-its-kind state welfare initiative aimed at supporting Bengali migrant workers returning home after facing alleged linguistic discrimination and harassment in other states. The scheme offers ₹5,000 monthly aid for up to one year or until the worker secures a new job within the state.

Objectives of the Shramshree Scheme

Key Aims

• To bring back Bengali migrant workers who are working in other states and facing linguistic or regional discrimination.
• To rehabilitate them with monthly financial aid, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support.
• To provide skill development training that enables long-term employment or self-employment within West Bengal.

Key Benefits Under Shramshree Scheme

1. Financial Support

• ₹5,000 per month will be given for up to one year or until a secure job is found.
• This financial assistance will be directly transferred to the worker’s bank account through the Labour Department.

2. Job Cards and Rural Employment

• Returnee workers will be issued Job Cards to access employment under rural schemes and government-sponsored job initiatives.

3. Skill Training

• Beneficiaries will undergo skill development programs, making them eligible for various job opportunities in both public and private sectors.

4. Self-Employment Opportunities

• Workers returning to Bengal will be eligible for government-backed loans to start their own businesses.
• Entrepreneurship development support will be provided through training and financial assistan

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit under the Shramshree Scheme, applicants must,

• Be a Bengali migrant worker working in another Indian state.
• Return to West Bengal to avail of the scheme.
• Have a valid bank account for direct benefit transfer.