Kolkata: Amid the West Bengal government’s claims of large-scale employment generation, the newly launched ‘Yuva Sathi’ scheme has received an overwhelming response, with more than 77 lakh unemployed youths registering within just nine days forcing the state to think of extending the deadline of the registration process.
The scheme, announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, promises monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to unemployed youths aged between 21 and 40 years.
Registration for the scheme began on February 16, following its announcement in the state budget, and Thursday marked the last scheduled day for submitting applications.
However, officials indicated that the deadline could be extended in view of the massive response.
From the very first day, the scheme saw a surge in applications, reflecting the scale of unemployment concerns among the state’s youth.
According to government data, candidates who have passed Madhyamik (Class 10) and fall within the specified age group are eligible.
Beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,500 per month until they secure employment, or for a maximum period of five years.
Applications can be submitted both online and through ‘Swanirbhar Bangla’ camps organised across the state.
Sources at Nabanna said that till Wednesday, a total of 76.77 lakh applications had been received under the Yuva Sathi scheme.
District-wise data shows the highest number of applications from South 24 Parganas, followed by Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, Bankura and Purulia.
Officials said the initiative was aimed at bringing the young generation under a social security net, which explains the “eye-catching” volume of applications.
Alongside Yuva Sathi, ‘Swanirbhar Bangla’ camps are also witnessing a heavy rush of women applicants for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
Many women said the recent hike in monthly assistance to Rs 1,500 (₹18,000 annually) encouraged fresh applications, especially from those who had earlier skipped the scheme when the amount was lower.
The Yuva Sathi scheme was announced in the interim budget presented on February 5 by Finance Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya.
While it was initially scheduled to be rolled out from August 15, the Chief Minister later announced that the scheme would come into effect from April 1.
Accordingly, the application window was fixed from February 16 to February 26
