West Bengal Announces ₹1,500 Youth Allowance under Banglar Yuva Sathi | 10 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for unemployed youth under the Banglar Yuva Sathi programme. 

Key Points: 

• Announcement Details: The allowance of ₹1,500 per month will be provided to unemployed young men and women aged 21–40 years who have passed Class 10, starting from March 7, 2026. 
  • The scheme, part of the Banglar Yuva Sathi programme, aims to help jobless youth become financially independent while they seek employment opportunities. 
• Early Rollout: Although initially planned to begin in April, the payment was brought forward to March 7 as a gesture on the eve of International Women’s Day (March 8).  
  • Beneficiaries must not be receiving benefits from other government schemes except scholarships. 
• Unemployment Claims: Mamata Banerjee claimed that the unemployment rate in West Bengal has decreased by about 40 per cent due to skill training and employment initiatives such as Utkarsha Bangla. 
  • The government has reported that around 40 lakh people received skill training, with about 10 lakh already employed, and efforts are being made to link trainees with job opportunities. 
  • The government has announced other welfare initiatives, including support to landless farmers and employment opportunities through infrastructure and industrial expansion. 
• Significance: Provides financial support to unemployed youth, promotes social welfare, and strengthens youth empowerment.