West Bengal
Shramashree Scheme for Migrant Workers
- 19 Aug 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the introduction of the Shramashree scheme to provide monthly cash incentives to migrant workers who return to the State after facing harassment in other States.
Key Features of Shramashree Scheme
- About: The scheme is designed to support around 22 lakh Bengali-speaking migrant workers who are registered with Bengal’s migrant workers’ portal.
- Financial Assistance: Migrants returning to Bengal will receive a one-time grant of ₹5,000 to help cover their travel expenses.
- A ₹5,000 monthly financial assistance will be provided for up to one year or until the migrant secures employment.
- Additional Support:
- Free Ration: Beneficiaries will be granted Khadya Sathi ration cards for food security.
- Healthcare: Migrants will be provided with Swasthya Sathi health insurance cards for free healthcare.
- Education: Migrants’ children will be enrolled in state schools to ensure their education continues without interruption.
- Accommodation: For those without housing, community kitchens and accommodation will be provided.
- Skill Development: Under the Utkarsha Bangla scheme, returning migrants will receive skills training to enhance employability.
- They will also be given job cards under the Karmashree scheme.
- Registration: Migrants will be able to register through the Shramashree portal. Each registered worker will receive a Shramashree card, granting them access to the benefits.
- The process will be monitored by Bengal’s Chief Secretary and officials from the Labour Department.
- Other Measures: A Migrant Workers’ Welfare Board has been set up for migrant workers to reach out for help and assistance.
- The Amader Para Amader Samadhan camps will provide relevant information and guidance to returning workers.
