Mamata Banerjee announces Sramashree scheme to rehabilitate returning migrant workers

The Chief Minister said her government will provide financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 per month till 12 months to each returning worker until they secure an employment in the state.

Along with the money, she said the returning workers will be enrolled in all the beneficiary schemes and their children will be admitted to local schools run by the government.

"Upon their return, we will immediately give Rs. 5,000 to them. I have instructed the officials to give Khadhyasathi card, Swasthyasathi card and provide a community kitchen centre if they are homeless.

"Their children will be admitted to local schools run by the government so that their education is not hampered. Other schemes can also be availed by over 22,40,000 migrant workers who are returning to the state losing their jobs in other states," the CM said.

Mamata announced this scheme amid her allegations that migrant Bengali workers have been harassed for speaking in Bengali in several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states.

Countering the CM, Leader of Opposition and BJP strongman Suvendu Adhikari said, "Migrant workers earn Rs. 5,000 daily in other states so they will not accept this scheme."

"Moreover, the scheme can be availed for only six months as she will stop it if she returns after the elections. No migrant worker is ready to trust this bluff."