West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for the families of migrant workers from North Bengal who lost their lives in the recent Sikkim tunnel tragedy. He also unveiled a broader employment and industrial roadmap for the state.
During visits to Meteli and Nagrakata blocks in Jalpaiguri, the Chief Minister met the bereaved families and said the government's intervention was guided by both administrative responsibility and humanitarian concern. He also urged migrant workers from the state to return, assuring them of employment opportunities within West Bengal.
Of the 12 people who died in the incident, 11 were residents of North Bengal. A total financial assistance package of Rs 21 lakh per family has been announced through the combined efforts of the Centre, the state government and private entities. This includes Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Rs 4 lakh from the Sikkim government, Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and an additional Rs 10 lakh jointly from public sector undertakings and the contractor involved, Patel Private Limited.
In addition to financial aid, the state government has directed that the next of kin of seven deceased persons be appointed as Home Guards in the State Police. Four others, who did not meet the required physical criteria, will be offered positions as Civic Volunteers.
Describing the toxic gas leak inside the tunnel as an unfortunate accident rather than a mere technical glitch, Adhikari said he remained in constant touch with the Sikkim Chief Minister following the incident. Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department and the Inspector General of North Bengal, were promptly dispatched to the site. Rescue operations were carried out jointly by the Indian Army, the Sikkim administration and experts from West Bengal's Mines Department under challenging conditions.
Highlighting employment initiatives, the Chief Minister urged citizens not to migrate for hazardous work, stating that the "ten-week-old government" was creating job opportunities within the state. He announced provisions for 125 days of guaranteed employment annually for unorganised workers, with a daily wage of Rs 300 applicable to both existing and new job card holders. Old-age and widow pensions will also be increased by Rs 500 from August.
In the healthcare sector, Adhikari declared that August 16 would be observed as 'Ayushman Diwas', with a focus on delivering free healthcare services at people's doorsteps. He said nearly 40 lakh senior citizens were being issued Ayushman Bharat cards. For those not covered under the central scheme, the state will introduce the 'Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana', providing health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.
The Chief Minister also outlined several industrial initiatives aimed at boosting North Bengal's economy. These include setting up food processing units for mangoes and litchis in Malda, as well as makhana, pineapples, maize and Tulaipanji rice in the region. Dairy brand Amul has been allotted 15-acre land parcels in both North and South Bengal to establish ice cream manufacturing units.
Additionally, Rs 330 crore has been allocated under the 'Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Yojana' to revive closed tea gardens. The government aims to reopen 10 to 12 of the 25 shut tea estates within the next two to three months.
Reiterating his government's focus on North Bengal, Adhikari said the region would play a central role in the state's industrial revival, describing it as the beginning of an "Amrit Kaal" for economic growth.
Alos read: 11 killed in Sikkim tunnel blast, rescue ops underway
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