Didi's Rs 1,500 Aid for Jobless Youth from March

Didi's Rs 1,500 Aid for Jobless Youth from March

By KUNAL CHATTERJEE 

Kolkata: In a heartwarming move for struggling young job seekers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced today that her government will start paying Rs 1,500 every month to unemployed youth beginning this March. The news, shared at dharna stage in Kolkata, has sparked hope among thousands of families hit hard by job shortages.

A young graduate Dipak Basu from a small town near Howrah, finished college two years ago but still scans job portals daily without luck. "We've been waiting for something like this," Rahul says, echoing the relief felt by many. 

Mamata Banerjee, often called 'Didi' by her supporters, addressed the crowd with her trademark warmth. "Our youth are our future. Unemployment is a curse, but we won't let them suffer. From March, every eligible unemployed young person will get Rs 1,500 directly in their accounts," she declared, her voice firm yet caring.

The scheme targets youth aged 21-40 who are jobless. No fancy paperwork hassles—just proof of unemployment and a bank link. Officials say it covers around 10 lakh beneficiaries initially, with funds flowing via direct benefit transfer (DBT) to skip middlemen. 

"This isn't charity, it's a hand up until jobs return," a senior Trinamool Congress leader explained. The state budget will foot the bill.

Reactions poured in fast. Supporters cheered it as "Didi's Diwali gift before elections," while critics like BJP's Suvendu Adhikari called it a "vote-buying stunt" ahead of polls. "Real jobs, not handouts!" he tweeted. 

Economists are mixed—some praise the immediate relief amid Bengal's 7% youth unemployment rate, others worry about long-term dependency.

For families like Dipak's, it's a lifeline. Mothers wiping tears, fathers nodding in quiet thanks—this is Bengal's ground reality.