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West Bengal Scheme 2024
- Akanksha
- Amar Fasal, Amar Gola
- Anandadhara
- Gatidhara
- Geetanjali & Amar Thikana
- Jal Dharo Jal Bharo
- Kanyashree
- Karmashree
- Karmatirtha
- Lokprasar Prakalpo
- Madhur Sneha
- Matir Katha
- Muktidhara
- Nijo-griha Nijo-bhumi
- Nirmal Bangla
- Pathasathi
- Pathashree Abhijaan
- PranDhara
- Pratyasha
- SabarGhareAlo
- SaboojSathi
- Samajik Mukti
- Sech Bandhu
- Shikshashree
- Shilpa Sathi
- SishuSaathi
- Sufal Bangla
- Yuvasree
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Akanksha
In light of the challenges encountered by State Government employees in building their own residences, the Governor has approved the implementation of a novel housing initiative for State Government Employees called ‘AKANKSHA,’ allocating a budget of 100 crore rupees.
Under this scheme, the government will furnish the Housing Department with complimentary land for the construction of flats.
The identification of such land parcels will be facilitated by the Land and Land Reforms Department of West Bengal.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Amar Fasal, Amar Gola
The West Bengal Government has introduced a pilot project aimed at offering financial aid to marginalized farmers in the state, enabling them to establish their own storage facilities and vending carts.
The subsidy for warehouses will range between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 25,000.
While the state has around 24 lakh small and marginal farmers, initially, only about 10,000 farmers will be covered under two schemes.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has named the initiatives as “Amar Fasal, Amar Gola” (My Crop, My Storehouse) and “Amar Fasal Amar Gari” (My Crop, My Vehicle).
For the “Amar Fasal Amar Gari” project, a flat subsidy rate of Rs. 10,000 will be applicable.
This project aims to support farmers who want to sell their produce directly to end-users.
The subsidies will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of farmers holding Kisan Credit Cards.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Anandadhara
The Government of India has initiated The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). In West Bengal, NRLM is known as ANANDADHARA, launched by the Honourable Chief Minister on May 17, 2012.
The mission aims to mobilize the rural poor and vulnerable individuals, organizing them into self-managed, federated institutions, and providing support for livelihood collectives.
The primary focus is on empowering the poor to gain increased access to their rights, entitlements, public services, diversified risk management, and improved social indicators of empowerment.
To execute these goals, the Government of West Bengal has established WBSRLM (West Bengal State Rural Livelihoods Mission), a registered society under the Society Registration Act 1860, to implement the National Rural Livelihood Mission in the state.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Gatidhara
The Gatidhara scheme was launched by the West Bengal Government in August 2014, as outlined by the Finance Minister in the February budget.
Families with a monthly income of Rs 25,000 or less are eligible for financial support under this scheme.
The transport department conducts interviews and compiles a list of eligible candidates, while the labour department provides the funds, with implementation handled by the transport department.
The scheme’s goal is to foster self-employment in both urban and rural areas of the state by promoting transport services.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Geetanjali & Amar Thikana
With the aim of providing free shelters to the economically weaker sections of society, the Housing Department of the Government has focused on constructing houses for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in rural and non-municipal urban areas. This scheme is being executed by six departments in rural areas and by statutory organizations in non-municipal urban areas, named ‘Geetanjali’ and ‘Amar Thikana’ respectively. The Rural Panchayat and Development (P&RD) Department is responsible for implementing ‘Amar Thikana’ in rural areas.
The main objectives of these schemes are to offer proper shelters to the economically weaker sections and create additional employment opportunities for construction workers. The cost of dwelling units varies based on factors like geographical location and terrain. For new constructions on beneficiaries’ land in rural areas, the costs differ for different regions:
a) Rs. 1.67 lakh for beneficiaries in general residing in rural areas of plains. b) Rs. 1.94 lakh for beneficiaries residing in the notified Sundarban areas. c) Rs. 2.51 lakh for beneficiaries residing within the notified hill areas of Darjeeling District. d) Rs. 3.00 lakh within the forest villages of Jalpaiguri District.
In non-municipal semi-urban areas, the costs are: a) Rs. 1.67 lakh for single-storied buildings on the beneficiary’s land. b) Rs. 3.30 lakh for multi-storied buildings on the land of implementing government agencies or government land.
The Panchayat and Rural Development Department implement the ‘Amar Thikana’ scheme at a unit cost of Rs. 70,000/- for plains and Rs. 75,000/- in hills, difficult, and coastal areas.
Initially, half of the approved amount is allotted, and the remaining amount is allotted after receiving the utilization certificate and a physical progress report. The government’s motto is to provide “Sabar Mathar Upare Chhad” (A roof over every head).
The government aims to address the housing problems of distressed and deprived people by constructing fully subsidized residential houses for the Minority Community, Fishermen, and people belonging to the Economically Weaker Section in Sundarban and Paschimanchal areas.
To enhance effective monitoring and ensure uniform implementation throughout the state, the schemes ‘Amar Thikana’ and ‘Geetanjali’ have been merged into a single scheme called ‘Geetanjali,’ implemented through District Magistrates with a unit cost of Rs. 70,000 for plains and Rs. 75,000 in hills, difficult, and Sundarban areas.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Jal Dharo Jal Bharo
The “Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo” program was initiated during the 2011-12 period with the objective of preserving valuable water resources through the large-scale harvesting of rainwater. The program aimed to improve the availability of precious water resources by constructing and managing minor irrigation structures to prevent surface water runoff. The Water Resources Investigation & Development Department of the Government of West Bengal played a leading role in re-excavating various water bodies, including tanks, ponds, reservoirs, and canals, in collaboration with the Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) Department and other programs.
The program also emphasized underground artificial recharge through rooftop rainwater harvesting. Check dams, water harvesting tanks, and surface flow minor irrigation schemes constructed by the Water Resources Investigation & Development Department helped in controlling surface runoff water, simultaneously increasing the irrigation potential of the state. The enhanced holding capacities of water bodies supported protective irrigation during dry spells. Additionally, these water bodies promoted pisciculture activities, providing further income opportunities for farmers. The availability of water throughout the year benefited local villagers in domestic and animal husbandry activities.
The “Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo” program also aimed to raise citizen awareness about rainwater conservation and efficient water use in irrigation. As of December 2014, a total of 118,557 water bodies and retention structures were created. The Water Resources Investigation & Development Department created 32,851 pond equivalents, 85,423 structures were created in convergence with the P&RD Department, and 283 tanks were created by the Water Resources Investigation & Development Department under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Kanyashree
West Bengal has an adolescent (10-19 years) population of 1.73 Crores, with 48.11% being girls. During adolescence, issues like child marriage and trafficking significantly impact the education, health, nutritional status, and overall development of girls. In response, the Government of West Bengal introduced the Kanyashree Prakalpa, an innovative scheme designed to create an enabling environment for enhancing the education, health, and nutrition status of women and children across the state.
The scheme aims to uplift the status and well-being of girl children by addressing several key areas. It actively discourages early marriages to ensure compliance with legal provisions regarding the minimum age for marriage. Kanyashree Prakalpa promotes the education of girl children in secondary and higher secondary classes, as well as those undergoing vocational or sports training, through scholarships. The program works to reduce dropout rates, particularly among girls from economically disadvantaged families.
The initiative contributes to improving Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) by delaying the age of marriage and subsequently increasing the median age of first childbirth. Additionally, it focuses on eradicating undernutrition and malnutrition in girl children. Importantly, Kanyashree Prakalpa plays a vital role in preventing trafficking and the exploitation of girl children, contributing to the overall welfare of the female population in West Bengal.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Karmashree
The “Karmashree” initiative is a consolidation of various schemes under the Labour department. Under this program, individuals who work for 20 days in a particular project will be provided with employment for an additional 20 days in another project.
Addressing a rally, the Hon’ble Chief Minister emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity of labor, stating that no job should be considered inferior.
The government’s plan includes training 10 lakh youths for skill development. This training will be facilitated through 500 Karma Tirtha marketing hubs, where economically disadvantaged individuals will receive shops free of cost. These initiatives aim to empower and uplift the poor in the state.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Karmatirtha
The West Bengal government has initiated ‘Karmatirtha,’ a comprehensive platform designed to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and foster employment opportunities.
This one-stop shop enables entrepreneurs to directly market their products to consumers.
The scheme aims to leverage the state’s abundant natural resources and skilled workforce, fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.
The government will provide essential infrastructure support, including training and financial assistance, to benefit individuals, self-help groups, cooperative enterprises, artisans, and weavers.
The goal is to establish at least one ‘Karmatirtha’ in every block across the state.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Lokprasar Prakalpo
The Department of Information & Cultural Affairs has introduced the ‘Lokprasar Prakalpo,’ a flagship project inspired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The project’s main objectives include bestowing dignity upon folk artists by issuing them identity cards, upholding traditional folk forms, reviving nearly-extinct folk forms of art and culture, and improving the socio-economic conditions of artists associated with folk culture.
Under ‘Lokprasar Prakalpo,’ the following programs are being implemented:
- Issuing Identity Cards: The project aims to bestow dignity on folk artists by providing them with identity cards. So far, 84,720 artists have been provided with identity cards across the state.
- Pensions for Needy and Elderly Folk Artists: Elderly folk artists above 60 years of age are provided with monthly pensions of Rs. 1000. Currently, around 8,596 artists are benefiting from this scheme.
- Retainer Fee for Artists: Enlisted folk artists under the age of 60, engaged in publicity campaigns, receive a monthly retainer fee of Rs. 1000. Approximately 1,94,300 folk artists are receiving this fee.
- Utilization of Services for Publicity: Folk artists are utilized to disseminate information about various government schemes and programs, contributing to a year-long campaign.
Additionally, workshops are organized in each district with the assistance of researchers on folk culture to upgrade traditional folk forms for presentation to new generations in a more attractive way.
The initiative has been successful in bringing recognition and support to the neglected rural folk artists of Bengal, who are actively participating in the scheme with great enthusiasm.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Madhur Sneha
The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, inaugurated Eastern India’s first and the country’s most modernized “Human Milk Bank” at SSKM Hospital in August 2013. Named “Madhur Sneha,” the facility is equipped with pasteurization and advanced milk collection, screening, processing, testing, and storage facilities.
The purpose of the project is to provide banked milk to babies who are prematurely born, have very low birth weight, or whose mothers are unable to feed them directly.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Matir Katha
‘Matir Katha’ is an agriculture-based portal that involves five departments: Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Horticulture.
The portal aims to provide useful information about different agricultural sectors to serve the citizens of West Bengal at the grassroots level.
The information available on this portal covers various aspects of agriculture, including the names and types of seeds, their availability, prices, and quality control. It also provides suggestions for season, area, crop, and variety-wise cropping based on the crop calendar.
The portal offers information on soil and fertilizer, cultivation techniques for different crops, remedies for crop diseases, agro-climatic zones, and schemes for cultivating various crops.
The content is regularly updated, and additional sector-wise information is continually added. Continuous training of nodal officers in each sector and the sensitization of stakeholders are conducted to promote an effective service delivery mechanism through Common Service Centers.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Muktidhara
The ‘Muktidhara’ project was launched in Purulia district on March 7, 2013, under the administrative control and patronage of the Self-Help Group & Self-Employment (SHG & SE) Department. The primary objective of the project is to create and maintain sustainable livelihoods for SHG members. The implementation of the project is in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Key Highlights:
- The project began with the training of members from 139 SHGs in Balarampur and Purulia-I Block in Purulia district on a pilot basis.
- A 5-member women training team from Raibarely, Uttar Pradesh, conducted the training and awareness camps.
- Subsequently, the trained SHGs secured credit linkage with banks. As of July 31, 2014, 109 SHGs received bank loan sanction, and 92 SHGs obtained a disbursement of Rs. 7585 lakh as a loan from banks in Purulia-I and Balarampur Block of Purulia.
- The project involves the active participation of key stakeholders, including one District Project Manager, two Block Project Managers, one Nodal Officer from the District Administration, and respective Block Supervisors (SHG & SE), with support from the District Development Manager of NABARD.
- Encouraged by the success in Purulia, the department extended the pilot project to Paschim Medinipur, following the same model and assistance from NABARD.
- The project aims to provide sustainable livelihoods to Self-Help Groups engaged in selected activities such as homestead gardening, poultry farming, goat rearing, vegetable cultivation, etc.
- The Society for Self Employment of Unemployed Youth, W.B., has been entrusted to execute the scheme.
The ‘Muktidhara’ project serves as a valuable initiative to empower SHG members, enhance their livelihoods, and promote economic sustainability in the region.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Nijo-griha Nijo-bhumi
The Nijo Griha Nijo Bhumi Prakalpo was launched on October 18, 2011, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of the Government of West Bengal. The project aims to provide 5 decimal acres of land to each identified eligible beneficiary family, including landless, homesteadless agricultural laborers, village artisans, and fishermen in rural areas.
Objective: The primary objective is to secure ownership of a small piece of land for eligible families, as it is considered a crucial factor in initiating a transformation from poverty to prosperity. This endeavor is expected to lead families towards a life of self-respect, dignity, and peace. The implementation of “Nijo Griha Nijo Bhumi Prakalpa” involves the active participation of all stakeholders to enhance the livelihoods of the eligible beneficiaries.
Implementation: Pattas (land titles) are distributed either in the name of the woman who is the head of the family or jointly in the names of both husband and wife. Priorities are given to the weakest sections of society among the eligible beneficiaries. The distribution includes providing beneficiaries with land titles (pattas), record-of-rights, and immediate possession of the land.
Government departments overseeing rural housing schemes and rural infrastructure development work together to provide basic minimum services to the families benefiting from Nijo Griha Nijo Bhumi Prakalpa. This collaborative approach significantly improves the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.
Performance: The performance of the program is reflected in the number of land titles (pattas) issued over the years:
- 2011-12: 3,157
- 2012-13: 60,193
- 2013-14: 1,00,684
- 2014-15: 32,350
- Total: 1,96,384
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Nirmal Bangla
Nirmal Bangla is a mission dedicated to eradicating open defecation in the rural areas of the state, serving as the state-level equivalent of the national Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan. The primary objective is to construct latrines in households, particularly targeting those that currently lack sanitation facilities, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero open defecation. The scope of the scheme extends to ensuring an adequate number of functional toilets in various settings, including households, educational institutions, along roads, and in public places.
Key Objectives of Nirmal Bangla:
- Construct latrines in households without sanitation facilities, promoting proper sanitation practices.
- Establish functional toilets in educational institutions, public spaces, and at regular intervals along roads to discourage open defecation.
- Enhance awareness and sensitize the community about the importance of adopting safe hygiene behaviors and proper methods of waste disposal.
Nirmal Bangla reflects a comprehensive approach to address the sanitation needs of rural areas, aiming not only to provide infrastructure but also to foster a culture of hygiene and sanitation in the community.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Pathasathi
The current government, recognizing the essential need for civil amenities, especially for women facing challenges during road journeys, has initiated the construction of “PATHASATHI.” These facilities, comprising Pay & Use toilets, waiting rooms, night shelters, and restaurants all under one roof, are strategically located at intervals of every 50 kilometers on National Highways, State Highways, and other significant roads across the state. The initiative aims to address the basic requirements of a civilized society and provide convenience to travelers, particularly women.
The Department is overseeing the construction of 31 “PATHASATHI” facilities, each in various stages of development. Out of these, 12 are being built with financial support from the Housing Department through the Public Works Department, with an estimated cost of Rs. 6.5088 Crores. The remaining 19 are under construction by the Housing Directorate at an estimated cost of Rs. 37.31 Crores.
These facilities will not only cater to the immediate needs of travelers but also contribute to enhancing the overall travel experience by providing essential amenities at regular intervals along major road networks.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Pathashree Abhijaan
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West Bengal Scheme 2024: PranDhara
In response to challenges faced during relief efforts, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) introduced bottled water named PranDhara. The need for a more sustainable packaging solution became apparent, considering that water pouches from Mobile Treatment Units (MTU) were useful for easy distribution but had limitations in terms of sustainability and durability. The first Package Drinking Water Plant was installed at Dakshin Roypur Water Treatment Plant Complex in the year 2012-13, adhering to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
This innovative solution involves the production of bottled water with the brand name PranDhara, providing a more durable and sustainable packaging option compared to traditional water pouches. The initial plant’s capacity is 3600 bottles of either 1000 ml or 500 ml per hour. Following the successful commissioning of the pilot plant, an additional seven Package Drinking Water Plants have been installed in various locations across West Bengal. These plants contribute to ensuring a more reliable and robust supply of safe drinking water during relief efforts and other situations where easy distribution is crucial.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Pratyasha
The West Bengal government has initiated a housing project called “PRATYASHA” specifically designed for police personnel, ranging from Inspectors to Constables, employed in the West Bengal Police.
The project aims to fulfill the housing aspirations of these individuals by providing them with the opportunity to own homes.
The West Bengal State Police Housing Corporation will oversee the construction of various types of flats, with financial support from HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation). All police personnel are encouraged to fill out forms to avail themselves of the housing assistance provided by the project.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: SabarGhareAlo
The State Government has introduced the ‘universal electrification’ initiative for households, known as “SarbaGriha Deep Prakalpa” (SabarGhareAlo), as part of the Special BRGF scheme.
The primary goal is to achieve 100% household electrification in 11 backward districts of West Bengal, namely Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, South 24-Parganas, Uttar Dinajpur, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Jalpaiguri, PurbaMedinipur, and Bankura.
An allocated amount of Rs. 837 Crores has been received for this project as of March 31, 2013. The execution of this project commenced in July 2012 and was anticipated to be completed within two years.
The project aims to electrify 28,214 villages, 21 lakh BPL households, and 17 lakh APL households.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: SaboojSathi
The Government of West Bengal has introduced a scheme titled “SaboojSathi,” aiming to distribute bicycles to students in classes IX to XII across all government-run, government-aided, and government-sponsored schools. The scheme initially covered students in Class X to XII during the last financial year (2015-16), and it is extending to include Class IX students in the current financial year.
The target is to provide bicycles to approximately 40 lakh students in the state. The scheme’s objective is to promote higher education among students and reduce dropout rates.
The West Bengal SC ST Development & Finance Corporation has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for the procurement and distribution of bicycles.
The name “SaboojSathi” was coined by the Chief Minister during her journey from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport.
The logo for the project, featuring a young boy running with two bicycle wheels spinning alongside his legs, was also created by the Chief Minister.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Samajik Mukti
The government has introduced ‘Samajik Mukti’ (Social Freedom) cards for unorganized sector workers in the state to facilitate access to the Provident Fund and other social benefit schemes.
The Chief Minister announced the scheme, stating that the card, named Samajik Mukti card, will be distributed starting April and will serve as a lifeline for the workers. Initially, 25 lakh beneficiaries will receive the card under the State-assisted scheme of Provident Fund for Unorganized Workers (SASPFUW).
Ultimately, the cards will be distributed to provide benefits under three state government schemes, including the State-assisted scheme of Provident Fund for Unorganized Workers (SASPFUW), Buildings and other Construction workers’ welfare scheme, and Motor Transport workers’ welfare scheme.
The project aims to achieve maximum coverage of workers under welfare schemes, ensure smooth and speedy delivery of welfare benefits, and promote effective and transparent management and utilization of available funds.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Sech Bandhu
The Sech Bandhu Prakalpa is a farmer-friendly project that provides 46,000 new pump sets with power connectivity to farmers, aiming to enhance irrigation capabilities in the state. This initiative not only benefits farmers significantly but also helps curb illegal power consumption. Consequently, it contributes to reducing power theft and improving the regulated power supply in rural Bengal.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Shikshashree
Former day-scholar students of Class V-VIII belonging to the Scheduled Caste category used to receive two grants, namely assistance in the form of a book grant and assistance in the form of a maintenance grant.
However, the amount of these grants was insufficient and the selection and disbursement processes were cumbersome and time-consuming.
To address these issues and provide better support to SC students in Classes V to VIII, a new scheme named ‘Shikshashree’ has been formulated.
This scheme merges the existing Book Grant and Maintenance Grant schemes, aiming to offer transparent, efficient, and quality assistance to SC day-scholars in West Bengal.
‘Shikshashree’ is applicable to day-scholars studying in Class V-VIII in any government, government-aided, or government-recognized schools in West Bengal.
The primary objective is to provide financial assistance to SC students in these classes, enhancing their participation in pre-matric stages and minimizing dropout rates, especially among female students.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Shilpa Sathi
To streamline the process for investors setting up industries in West Bengal, the government has introduced Shilpa Sathi, a Single Window Cell at WBIDC (West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation). Investors can submit a Common Application Form (CAF) through Shilpa Sathi, initially available for those planning medium and large industries in specific districts. The Single Window Cell facilitates the submission of CAF, helping obtain licenses and registrations from various state government departments listed below:
- Directorate of Factories (Labour Department)
- Directorate of Boilers (Labour Department)
- West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB)
- Directorate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME & T Department)
- Fire & Emergency Services (Fire & Emergency Services Department)
- Directorate of Commercial Taxes (Finance Department)
- Directorate of Legal Metrology (Consumer Affairs Department)
The Single Window Cell, located at the Ground Floor of “Protiti,” functions at the WBIDC office in Kolkata. Officers from the respective departments are present on designated days to receive the CAF and related documents, issuing licenses and registrations following legal and procedural formalities.
In Phase-II, investors will have the option to submit the CAF online through Shilpa Sathi and receive licenses and registrations online. An online tracking system for the application status will be available on the G2B portal developed for this purpose at the State Data Centre.
In Phase-III, the State Shilpa Sathi will transition to eBiz, the Single Window Facility developed by the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. eBiz aims to cover all central and state government departments involved in issuing licenses and registrations necessary for establishing industries in India.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: SishuSaathi
The ‘SishuSaathi’ scheme is a visionary initiative by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, aiming to provide free treatment to children in need of heart surgeries, regardless of their family’s financial status.
Launched on August 21, 2013, the scheme is a collaborative effort between the West Bengal State Government and three private hospitals, along with several government hospitals. Under ‘SishuSaathi,’ the government is committed to offering free paediatric cardiac surgeries to approximately 3,000 children annually. The initiative is a significant stride in child healthcare, focusing on paediatric cardiac care and surgeries.
The State Government initiated medical tests under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram in state-run schools. If a student is diagnosed with cardiac ailments requiring surgery, the government covers all expenses associated with the treatment. The collaboration extends to both private and government hospitals, ensuring that children in need receive the best available care.
The scheme covers a broad spectrum of paediatric cardiac surgeries, addressing congenital issues such as cataracts, cleft lips, and cleft palates. The project reflects the Chief Minister’s personal commitment to the welfare of children, emphasizing preventive health measures, early detection, and comprehensive treatment.
Key features of the ‘SishuSaathi’ scheme include:
a) Health tests conducted by the State Government in government schools to identify heart ailments. b) Free cardiac surgery provided for children up to 12 years suffering from heart ailments. c) Eligibility for all children, irrespective of family income. d) All expenses covered by the State Government.
The scheme’s holistic approach underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing child health and well-being in West Bengal.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Sufal Bangla
“Sufal Bangla” is a transformative initiative by the Government of West Bengal, guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Launched to benefit the people, the project aims to ensure the availability of fresh vegetables at reasonable prices delivered to their doorsteps.
Sufal Bangla operates as a competitive retail outlet for prime vegetables, playing a crucial role in ensuring food and nutritional security, especially for those living below the poverty line. Additionally, the project contributes to raising rural incomes, creating employment opportunities, and fostering prosperity in rural Bengal.
The project began its operations by selling vegetables like potatoes and onions through mobile vans at 14 outlets from September 29, 2014. Despite major festivals celebrated during this period, the initiative has been uninterrupted. Initially procuring vegetables from Koley Market, the project has expanded to include farmers around Singur in Hooghly District, contributing fresh vegetables to the Tapasi Mallick Singur Krishak Bazaar.
Sufal Bangla extends its impact to the fruit market, making it more competitive. Plans for establishing hubs in various Agro Climatic Zones of West Bengal for fruit procurement during different seasons are in progress.
Effectively managing the supply chain, including the inevitable aspect of managing dumps in the fresh fruits and vegetables trade, is an integral part of the project. The initiative not only benefits farmers through government-arranged procurement but also provides employment opportunities for the unemployed associated with the program.
The Kolkata Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Project, operating as Sufal Bangla, started in September 2014 in Kolkata and its suburbs, with Paschim Bangla Agri Marketing Corporation Limited serving as the Nodal Agency. The project’s primary objectives include ensuring farmers receive premium prices, supplying quality produce at reasonable retail prices, and fostering competitiveness in the fruit and vegetable producer’s retail market.
In the short run, the project seeks to implement the ‘SAFAL’ model in a specific domain, making necessary modifications through trial and error to adapt it to the local conditions of the state.
West Bengal Scheme 2024: Yuvasree
Yuvasree is a financial assistance scheme initiated by the Government of West Bengal to support the unemployed youth in the state.
Formerly known as Yuva Utsaha Prakolpo (YUP), this scheme has been operational since October 2013 and is administered by the Labour Department of West Bengal.
The primary goal of Yuvasree is to offer employment assistance to unemployed youths, enhancing their employability and skills.