Protests in Siliguri as BJYM targets govt over Yuva Sathi

Even as hundreds of unemployed youths aged between 21 and 40 have begun registering to avail Rs 1,500 per month under the state government’s newly announced unemployment allowance scheme, BJP’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), organised a protest rally in Siliguri on Monday demanding jobs, raising the slogan “chaakri chay Bengal” (Bengal wants jobs).

The development comes in the wake of the state government’s new scheme Yuva Sathi, which offers financial assistance to unemployed youths. Following the success of welfare schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar, large numbers of youths across the state have been enrolling themselves under the new initiative. With Assembly elections approaching, district-level leaders of the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) expressed confidence that the scheme would strengthen the party’s support base.

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However, the BJP has strongly criticised the timing and intent of the scheme, alleging that it is politically motivated. While the scheme was introduced in the interim Budget and is scheduled to be implemented in the new financial year, the state government has already begun the enrolment process, drawing sharp reactions from the Opposition.

Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh questioned the government’s approach, alleging that similar schemes had been announced earlier under different names but were not implemented effectively.

“The state government had introduced similar schemes in the past, but those were never properly implemented. Now, ahead of elections, youths are being made to stand in long queues to register their names. The government could have easily conducted the registration through an online system to avoid such inconvenience,” Mr Ghosh said.

He further alleged that the implementation of the scheme could be affected once the Election Commission of India announces the poll schedule and the Model Code of Conduct comes into force.

“Even if names are being registered now, the government may not be able to take further steps once the Model Code of Conduct is imposed,” he added.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista also joined the BJYM protest in Siliguri. According to organisers, thousands of youths from different parts of the region participated in the rally. As part of the protest, participants wrote postcards addressed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding employment opportunities.

Mr Bista alleged that unemployment has reached alarming levels in West Bengal, forcing many youths to migrate to cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Mumbai in search of livelihood.

“West Bengal is facing an economic crisis marked by rising unemployment and declining economic activity. Thousands of factories have shut down in recent years, and many companies have relocated to other states. As a result, millions of youths have lost employment opportunities,” he said.

He further alleged irregularities in recruitment across several government sectors, including school services, municipal bodies, and other public institutions, and accused the state government of failing to conduct recruitment against a large number of vacant posts.

“This is not just corruption but a betrayal of Bengal’s youth. Instead of creating employment opportunities, the government is offering Rs 1,500 as unemployment allowance ahead of elections. This reflects the failure of the state government to generate jobs,” Mr Bista said.

He added that the BJP remains committed to creating employment opportunities by promoting industrial growth, attracting investment, and ensuring transparent recruitment processes.

The Trinamul Congress has maintained that the scheme is aimed at providing financial support to unemployed youths and empowering them economically, while the Opposition continues to question its timing and implementation ahead of the elections.