Kolkata, 04 August (H.S.) : West Bengal Panchayat Minister Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday said the state government is working to create employment opportunities within the state so that migrant workers, particularly from the Sundarbans, no longer have to travel to other states in search of livelihoods.

Addressing a special meeting of panchayat officials from North and South 24 Parganas at the Jai Hind Auditorium in Sonarpur, the minister said the government is taking steps to ensure that people receive employment under the 125-day rural employment scheme in a transparent manner through the panchayat system.

The Sundarbans region, comprising more than 30 panchayats and surrounded by rivers, forests and creeks, is highly vulnerable to cyclones, river erosion and other natural disasters. These recurring challenges force thousands of residents to migrate annually in search of work. Ghosh said the government aims to reverse this trend by strengthening local employment opportunities.

A major focus of the meeting was the survey under the housing scheme. The minister said the survey remains incomplete in some remote areas because of geographical constraints and directed officials to complete the exercise by August 31. He expressed confidence that transparent implementation would help secure the release of pending central funds.

Ghosh said several development projects are being implemented through panchayats to reduce migration. These include improvements in roads, drinking water supply, housing and connectivity, while creating employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

He also said the rural employment programme has been expanded to provide 125 days of work, which, according to the government, will increase both employment opportunities and income for rural households.

The minister stressed that the remote islands of the Sundarbans would receive special priority, as they are the worst affected by natural calamities. He also called for making the panchayat system more transparent, modern and service-oriented.

Following the meeting, Ghosh held separate discussions with officials from North and South 24 Parganas, directing them to resolve local issues without delay.

He said development work would continue even in the absence of elected panchayat heads, as panchayat employees have already been trained to carry out administrative responsibilities. The minister added that regular training programmes and Panch Sammelans are being organised across districts to familiarise public representatives with new rules and ensure faster and more transparent implementation of government schemes.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh