Bengal CM Urges Migrants to Return, Promises 125 Days of Work After Sikkim Tunnel Tragedy

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday appealed to migrant workers from the state to return home, promising employment, 125 days of work through fresh job cards and expanded welfare benefits, while announcing compensation and government jobs for families of workers killed in the recent Sikkim tunnel collapse.

"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.

Calling it an "Amrit Kaal of development", he said North Bengal would receive priority as the government works to create local jobs so workers no longer need to migrate. He announced that 15 acres have been identified for an Amul dairy and ice cream manufacturing unit in North Bengal, while agro based industries centred on mangoes, litchis, makhana, pineapple, maize and Tulaipanji rice will also be promoted. He added that around 12 of the state's 25 closed tea gardens are expected to reopen within three months under the Prime Minister Tea Workers' Scheme, backed by ₹330 crore in assistance.

Adhikari handed over appointment letters and financial assistance to the families of the 11 West Bengal workers killed in the Namchi tunnel disaster. Each family will receive a total ₹21 lakh in compensation from the West Bengal government, Sikkim government, NHPC, the contractor and the Prime Minister's relief fund. One member of every affected family will receive a government job, with seven appointed as Home Guards and the remaining four as Civic Volunteers. "This is not an act of charity; it is our responsibility. We stand firmly with these families in their hour of grief," he said.

The Chief Minister said the state remained in constant touch with the Sikkim government, had offered helicopters to aid rescue operations, and noted that preliminary information suggested a hazardous gas leak may have preceded the collapse, though the Sikkim government is conducting the inquiry. He also announced that the Chief Secretary would launch three public helplines and assured that verification under the Annapurna Yojana would be completed by August 30, after which all eligible women would receive the scheme's ₹3,000 monthly assistance.