CM Unveils ‘Shramashree’ Scheme to Aid ‘Harassed Bengali Migrants’

MP, Kolkata, Aug 19, 2025:  Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a new rehabilitation scheme, ‘Shramashree’, for Bengali migrant workers who are allegedly facing harassment in BJP-ruled states. The scheme, cleared in the state Cabinet meeting at Nabanna, aims to bring back workers who wish to return and help them rebuild their livelihoods in Bengal.

“You all know that in double-engine (BJP-ruled) states, Bengali-speaking people are being attacked. Those speaking in Bengali are being treated like criminals, put in jail, or even pushed back to Bangladesh. Till now, most of the 22 lakh migrant workers and their families outside Bengal have been harassed for speaking Bengali. On the other hand, we have 1.5 crore workers from other states who live and work in Bengal with due respect. That is the difference,” Banerjee said.

Benefits Under the Scheme

• Travel Aid: One-time assistance of ₹5,000 for each returning worker.

• Monthly Aid: ₹5,000 per month for up to 12 months, until employment is arranged.

• Immediate Support: Returning migrants will receive cash support of ₹5,000 on arrival.

• Welfare Cards: Beneficiaries will be given Khadya Sathi ration cards and Swasthya Sathi health cards.

• Shelter & Food: Homeless workers will be accommodated through community kitchens.

• Education: Children of returning workers will be enrolled in local schools.

The Labour Department will act as the nodal authority, while the Chief Secretary will monitor implementation.

Banerjee stressed that returnees would be linked with existing state schemes.

• Skill Training: Under Utkarsha Bangla, returning workers will undergo assessment and skill training before being absorbed in jobs.

• Employment Guarantee: Under Karmashree, job cards will be issued. Already, 78 lakh cardholders have been provided work, generating 91 crore man-days, with the state spending ₹19,000 crore.

The scheme will apply to workers registered on the migrant workers’ portal Karma Sathi. Those not enrolled may register afresh through a new Shramashree portal. Applications will be accepted via the Migrant Workers Welfare Board and the ongoing outreach programme Amader Para, Amader Samadhan (APAS).

Banerjee said around 2,730 families—about 10,000 people—had already been brought back to Bengal after facing torture or harassment in other states. Many others were also returning voluntarily.

“It is our duty to ensure that Bengal’s workers live and work with dignity and security,” she said, citing a recent case in Andhra Pradesh where a Bengali worker was killed and his body not returned. She directed District Magistrates to proactively identify returning workers and extend benefits of the scheme to them.

“During COVID-19 too, we brought back workers and helped them. This is a continuation of that responsibility,” the CM added.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also cleared the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Tajpur Port. Banerjee further alleged that the door-to-door mental health survey conducted by Kalyani AIIMS was “an indirect way to facilitate NRC in the state.”