Kolkata: State govt has to ensure monthly financial assistance of Rs 12,000-15,000 for economically weaker families through various schemes, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday. He also promised to bring back youths who have migrated out of the state in search of employment and provide them with jobs.Speaking after inaugurating Puja pandals in Nandigram, Adhikari stressed that recruitment would be transparent and merit-based, without candidates having to pay bribes.“Many young men are living out of Bengal. We have to bring them back and give them employment according to their qualifications,” he said.Reiterating his target of providing jobs to one lakh educated youth within a year, the chief minister said 11,000 constables had received appointment letters earlier this week.Speaking on govt’s responsibility to support families financially, the CM said, “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 govt schemes.” Adhikari, however, did not specify how the proposed assistance would be structured or whether it would cover eligible families across the state or be limited to Nandigram.The CM also reaffirmed his commitment to Nandigram. “I will remain a voter of Nandigram despite winning from Bhabanipur. I will carry out my responsibilities here,” he said.Adhikari asked residents to submit proposals for local development within a month and assured them that govt would implement projects in phases over the next two years. Improving the local hospital and replacing wooden bridges with concrete structures were among the priorities he identified.“I have a belief that you have not repeatedly voted for me expecting something in return. But as the administrative head of this state, I have an opportunity to do several things for you,” he said.The CM also claimed that 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.
