Bengal eyes job boost through unused government warehouses, market stalls

MP, May 31, 2026, Kolkata : The West Bengal government is considering a major initiative to generate employment opportunities for unemployed youth by utilising vacant government-owned warehouses and market stalls. State Agricultural Marketing Minister Dilip Ghosh on Saturday held a meeting with department officials at the Netaji Subhas Training Institute in Baidyabati, following which he said that around 25–30 per cent of government warehouses and nearly 450 government stalls across the state remain unused.

The government now plans to invite applications from unemployed young men and women, as well as women associated with self-help groups, to operate businesses from these facilities. Ghosh said that the department currently has around 1,600 government stalls, of which approximately 450 have never been used.

“In areas where it has been difficult to find tenants, unemployed youth and women from self-help groups would be encouraged to use the vacant stalls and warehouses for business activities. The government is also considering allowing them to use the facilities without charging rent,” said Ghosh.

The minister added that discussions were also held on addressing staff imbalances within the department, as some districts have a surplus of employees while others face shortages. Officials deliberated on ways to improve coordination and ensure efficient functioning across districts.

The minister also discussed measures to expand departmental activities and increase revenue generation. The government is also planning steps to strengthen the operation of “Sufal Bangla” outlets. Through Sufal Bangla, the state government purchases directly from farmers and sells them through outlets, providing access to fresh produce at lower prices.