Why unskilled, skilled workers are the need of the hour in Bengal

Did anyone think about the importance of migrant labourers? The West Bengal government did. The focus is on rural employment, as almost 70 per cent of the population in the state is rural. To solve the unemployment problem, the state is looking to create a conducive environment for industrialists to invest and others to expand in West Bengal. For industries to expand, unskilled and daily labourers are required. The government is working to improve wages so that migrant workers can come back to the state.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held an administrative review meeting with the Panchayat department earlier in the week to outline roles for rural welfare and job creation, among other issues. Adhikari appealed to migrant workers to come back to the state and work with their families under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) (VB-G RAM G) scheme for 125 days of guaranteed employment. The CM looks to make the Panchayat and Rural Development Department a model department.

After unveiling the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy, 2026, on Thursday, the CM spoke about unskilled workers earning double the amount in other states, which needs to change in West Bengal. There was mention of a Karma Yogi programme to be launched in the days to come to encourage skill training. There will be emphasis too on skill training, leading to employment. The CM spoke about the possibility of the Chairman and Managing Director of JSW Group, Sajjan Jindal, meeting earlier this week, culminating in small skill training programmes to be held in Salboni in West Midnapore district. JSW Group initiated talks to come up with a thermal power unit and expand investments in Salboni.

Hence, it is not just big industrialists, but the unskilled and skilled workforce that will be instrumental in transforming West Bengal into an investment-friendly destination. There is a lot of thought gone into drafting the new industrial policy, which the state was bereft of since 2025. Today, things have changed, and there is renewed hope. It is now about putting the finer print into practice to avoid building castles in the sky with mere promises. Instead, it is about working towards building a new skyline, much needed to resurrect the City of Joy, latent with its industrialisation dreams.