In a significant move ahead of the upcoming elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a major financial package for landless farmers and educated unemployed youth. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna on Tuesday, the Chief Minister cleared the air regarding the implementation of the budgetary announcements, stating that the financial assistance will start reaching beneficiaries from April this year.

The Chief Minister revealed that starting from the new financial year in April, sharecroppers across the state would receive an annual allowance of ₹4,000. Simultaneously, the monthly unemployment allowance for the youth will also be rolled out. To ensure a hassle-free application process, the state government will organize special camps in every assembly constituency, modeled after the successful ‘Duare Sarkar’ (Government at your Doorstep) initiative.

“We have decided to set up dedicated camps in every constituency where farmers and youth can easily submit their applications,” the Chief Minister stated. In another major boost to the agricultural sector, she announced a complete waiver of irrigation charges. Farmers, who previously had to pay a specific fee for water usage in irrigation, will now be exempted from these costs, providing much-needed relief to the rural populace.

The most anticipated announcement was regarding the ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi Prakalpa’ for the educated unemployed. Under this scheme, youths who have passed at least the Secondary (Madhyamik) examination will be eligible for a monthly stipend of ₹1,500. The scheme targets individuals aged between 21 and 40 years, and the benefit can be availed for a maximum period of five years. This initiative aims to provide basic financial support to the youth while they look for stable employment opportunities.

Political analysts view this as a strategic “masterstroke” by the TMC government to consolidate its vote bank among the rural poor and the youth segment. By focusing on direct cash transfers and reducing agricultural overheads, the Mamata Banerjee administration is positioning itself as a pro-people government. As the clock ticks toward the elections, the implementation of these schemes from April is expected to generate significant positive sentiment across the state.