Huge queues were seen outside Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) borough offices across several Assembly constituencies on Sunday as enrollment began for the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme.
The rollout of the scheme is scheduled to begin from April 1, amid allegations by the saffron party that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is using it as a pre-poll vote bank strategy to attract unemployed youth between the ages of 21 and 40, who will receive Rs 1,500 per month for a period of five years or until they secure employment.
While many acknowledge that it may be a poll strategy, the youth are taking advantage of the financial support, which will help ease their monthly expenses while they search for jobs.
“The government has started this because elections are drawing close. It is politically motivated. Yes, it helps the unemployed get money to cover basic expenses,” said Anirban Dey, a beneficiary of the scheme.
Some applicants argue that since the funds come from taxpayers’ money, there is no harm in accepting the dole. Young women who have completed their basic education expressed relief, stating that the scheme reduces the financial burden on their families, especially for married women. Women have the option of applying for the existing Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to women from rural households. The Yuva Sathi scheme, however, covers a broader income bracket. Some beneficiaries currently work part-time as delivery personnel for food apps while waiting for more stable employment opportunities.
“I was happy when this scheme was announced, as it will help financially when we need it,” said Neha Khan, who passed her Class 12 examinations. Like Khan, many see the scheme as a financial cushion to cover basic expenses such as registration fees for government job entrance examinations.
“This will help me in many ways. Inflation is rising, petrol prices are increasing, and young people like us are unable to find jobs. Even when jobs are available, salaries are not sufficient. This money will help with daily expenses,” said R.S. Bhattacharjee, a Class 12 graduate who was employed until last year.
With the government budgeting Rs 5000 crore annually for this scheme from the state exchequer, the question is, will it make beneficiaries complacent?
“I graduated in Accountancy, but left my previous job because the salary was too low. Now I work with Swiggy and Zomato to earn something. This scheme gives us Rs 1,500, which is taxpayers’ money. When I get a proper job, especially a government job, that will be best because it will provide a pension and other benefits,” said 23-year-old Arkaprava Das.
While the TMC views the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme as a significant initiative for unemployed youth, the BJP alleges that it is a rebranded version of earlier schemes such as Yuva Utsah and Yuva Shree, which had become defunct.
“In the budget, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the scheme would be implemented from August. We said the vote on account does not fall in August. It is supposed to be April, May, June, and July. Those who will win will give the new budget. The Chief Minister realised this was a blunder,” said BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. He also raised concerns about the large crowds gathering at borough offices, warning that the situation could go out of control.
Online registrations have also begun, which looks to ease the burden on KMC ward offices, where people are also queuing up to fill forms for other government schemes too.
