JALPAIGURI – The West Bengal government has urged migrant workers from the state to return home, promising employment opportunities, expanded welfare support and new industrial projects aimed at reducing the need for residents to seek work elsewhere.

Speaking in Jalpaiguri after meeting the families of workers killed in the recent tunnel collapse in Sikkim, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state was entering an "era of development" and called on migrant workers to come back.

"I appeal to migrant workers to return. The state government is prepared to provide employment opportunities. Those who return can obtain fresh job cards and avail themselves of 125 days of work.

“Free ration is being provided by the Centre, Ayushman Bharat is available, and those not covered under it will receive benefits under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme. We will ensure that they do not face any hardship after returning," Adhikari said.

The appeal came as the government unveiled a series of measures to boost economic activity in North Bengal, where prolonged closures of tea estates have contributed to labour migration.

Adhikari said the state would allocate 15 acres of land for dairy cooperative Amul to establish operations in North Bengal, while also promoting agro-based industries in Malda focused on mangoes, litchis, makhana, pineapples, maize and the region's Tulaipanji rice.

He added that 25 tea gardens in the state remain closed, forcing many workers to leave in search of jobs elsewhere.

According to Adhikari, the tea sector has been included under the Prime Minister Tea Workers' Scheme, with Rs330 crore allocated to support tea workers. He expressed hope that between 10 and 12 closed tea gardens would resume operations within the next two to three months.

Separately, the chief minister announced financial assistance and employment support for the families of 11 West Bengal migrant workers who died in last week's tunnel collapse in Namchi district, Sikkim.

Each bereaved family will receive a total ex gratia payment of Rs21 lakh through contributions from the West Bengal government, the Sikkim government, the public sector company involved in the project, the private contractor and the Prime Minister's relief announcement.

"Today we have extended financial assistance to all the families of the deceased workers. Members of nine families will be given government jobs.

“Seven of them have been appointed as home guards, and two will be recruited as civic volunteers. We stand firmly with these families in their hour of grief," he said.

He added that the state government had provided Rs5 lakh to each family through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, while the Sikkim government, the public sector company and the project's contractor had each contributed Rs4 lakh, Rs5 lakh and Rs5 lakh respectively. The Prime Minister had also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs2 lakh for each deceased worker.

"This is not an act of charity; it is our responsibility. The state government is providing Rs5 lakh to each bereaved family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The Sikkim government has already given Rs4 lakh each," he said.

The chief minister said West Bengal had remained in close contact with the Sikkim government following the accident and had offered all possible assistance, including helicopters if required, to support rescue operations.

He also said verification of beneficiaries under the Annapurna Yojana is expected to be completed by August 30.

"Eligible women who are yet to receive benefits under the Annapurna Yojana need not worry. The verification process is underway, and all eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance in a transparent manner," Adhikari added.

Under the scheme, eligible women receive monthly financial assistance of Rs3,000. Many beneficiaries have already received payments for June and July, while verification of remaining applicants is ongoing.