Kolkata, 23 October (H.S.) :

In a major welfare push for the tribal communities of West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a landmark initiative on Friday to deliver nutritious food to tribal households on a weekly basis. Under this new scheme, essential food commodities including rice, pulses, cooking oil, and soybeans will be delivered directly to their doorsteps. The Chief Minister made this significant declaration while addressing a government outreach program in the Lodha Sabar-dominated Kalajharia village in Manikpara, Jhargram.

Clarifying the scope of the initiative, CM Adhikari stated that this project operates entirely independent of the existing Public Distribution System (PDS) and serves as an additional welfare measure. The primary objective is to ensure that no individual from the tribal community, particularly women and children, suffers from nutritional deprivation. The scheme, which was also highlighted in the recently tabled state budget, is expected to directly benefit 25,000 tribal families in the Jhargram district and another 45,000 families in Paschim Medinipur.

Expanding the umbrella of tribal welfare, the Chief Minister announced several other crucial measures. The old-age pension for Scheduled Tribes (ST) has been increased to Rs 1,500 per month. Additionally, to encourage education and reduce dropout rates, a special 'ST Allowance' of Rs 800 will be provided to 2 lakh tribal students across the state. In a major boost to higher education in the region, the government has also decided to establish dedicated tribal universities in the Bankura and Jhargram districts.

During the event, the Chief Minister highlighted that his administration has allocated Rs 342 crore specifically for the comprehensive development of Jhargram. Taking a sharp dig at the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government, Adhikari stated, The previous government stalled the implementation of numerous central welfare schemes in the state. The former Chief Minister spent a mere Rs 6 crore for the development of the entire Paschimanchal (western region). However, our government will not let this region remain deprived; its development is directly in my hands.

Addressing livelihood concerns, he also made a major employment announcement. We are soon going to launch the 'Adivasi Mahila Samriddhi Yojana'. I guarantee 125 days of employment to you all. Those who want a new job card will be provided with one, the Chief Minister assured the gathering.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh