The chief minister unveils the Yuva Sathi benefit for the unemployed youth, while continuing to focus on Muslims and women through other schemes
KOLKATA – As political activity gathers pace ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a new move aimed at young voters, adding to her government’s continued outreach to Muslims and women.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, who has remained in power since 2011, has introduced a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for unemployed youth under the Yuva Sathi scheme. The benefit will be available to young people aged between 21 and 40 and will begin from 1 April.
Camps were opened across districts on Sunday to accept applications. The process will continue for 11 days. From Kolkata to smaller towns, long queues of young applicants were seen outside registration centres.
Many of those standing in line were highly literate, including MA, BA and BSc degree holders.
A young applicant in Kolkata said, “I completed my MA two years ago, but have not found stable work. At least this support will help me manage my expenses.”
Another applicant said, “We are not asking for charity. We want jobs. But until we get one, this allowance will help.”
Through this initiative, the state government is clearly trying to address concerns about unemployment while strengthening its connection with first-time and young voters.
Muslims form a significant part of West Bengal’s population. According to the 2011 Census, Muslims made up around 27 per cent of the population. Political observers estimate that the percentage has increased since then, making the community an important voting bloc.
Since coming to power in 2011, Mamata Banerjee has promised to improve the socio-economic condition of Muslims in both rural and urban areas. Many Muslims have been included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list, allowing access to reservations in education and employment.
Several welfare schemes have also benefited Muslim families. Many in the community have publicly supported the Chief Minister’s strong stand against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A community leader from Murshidabad said, “Mamata Banerjee has always spoken up when Muslims felt insecure. That is why many in our community continue to support her.”
Women remain another major focus of the state government. Under the Lakshmi Bhandaar scheme, women were earlier receiving ₹1,000 per month. This has now been increased to ₹1,500.
Other schemes include Kanyashree, Sabuj Sathi, Swasthya Sathi and Ananddhara. These programmes provide bicycles to schoolgirls, scholarships to students, healthcare support and financial assistance to women’s groups.
Under Kanyashree, any girl who remains unmarried until the age of 18 receives a lump sum of ₹25,000. These schemes have significantly strengthened Mamata Banerjee’s image among women voters.
A beneficiary from Howrah said, “Lakshmi Bhandaar helps me support my children’s education. It gives us some financial security.”
State Minister Shashi Panja defended the youth allowance scheme and welcomed the response from applicants.
She said, “It is good that young people are joining. We have a responsibility towards them. The fact that so many have come forward shows that Mamata Banerjee’s vision connects with the youth.”
Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya also backed the move. She pointed out that the government is offering five-year loans to encourage young entrepreneurs.
She questioned opposition criticism, saying, “Earlier they criticised Lakshmi Bhandaar. Now they are saying they will give ₹3,000 if they come to power. Will that really happen?”
The opposition has sharply criticised the announcements. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the government of failing to create jobs.
He said, “This government drove out Tata and finished private employment opportunities. Now they are offering allowances because they cannot provide real jobs.”
He further added, “People know what has happened over the years. These schemes are only for votes.”
With Muslims, women and now youth forming a key part of the state’s electorate, Mamata Banerjee appears to be consolidating support among these groups before the polls.
Her critics call it a calculated move to secure votes. Her supporters describe it as welfare-driven governance that prioritises vulnerable sections of society.
As one political analyst in Kolkata said, “The coming election will show whether welfare schemes continue to hold ground or whether voters look for a different direction.”
For now, queues outside application camps reflect both hope and uncertainty. Many young people say they want employment, dignity and stability. Whether the new allowance scheme will translate into electoral success for Mamata Banerjee will become clear when West Bengal goes to the polls.
