Suvendu Adhikari proposes Rs 15,000 monthly aid for low-income families, one lakh jobs for youth

Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday proposed monthly financial assistance of Rs 12,000-15,000 for economically weaker families through various government welfare schemes, without clarifying whether the proposal would cover households across the state or only those in Nandigram.

Addressing gatherings at Durga Puja pandal inaugurations in Nandigram, in East Midnapore district, Adhikari said the government had a responsibility to support families struggling financially.

“We have to take responsibility for families that are genuinely economically weak and in need. We have to arrange Rs 12,000-15,000 per month for them through various government schemes,” he said.

Adhikari did not spell out which schemes would provide the proposed assistance, who would qualify for it or when it might be implemented.

The chief minister also spoke about his political association with Nandigram, where he has long-standing ties, while reaffirming his commitment to Bhabanipur in south Kolkata, the Assembly constituency he represents.

“I will remain as long as the people of Bhabanipur want me, but I will continue to be a voter of Nandigram for life,” he said.

Adhikari also reiterated the government's target of providing jobs to one lakh educated young men and women through transparent, merit-based examinations.

Highlighting welfare programmes and infrastructure development, he contrasted his government's approach with that of the previous administration. He said he had been unable to visit minority-dominated areas of Nandigram during the 2021 and 2026 elections but was now being welcomed with showers of flowers.

“This is the real change,” he said.