Jalpaiguri | West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday urged migrant workers from the state to start returning home, assuring them that the BJP government would create employment opportunities and provide 125 days of work to those who obtain job cards.

Speaking to reporters in Jalpaiguri after meeting the families of West Bengal residents killed in the recent tunnel accident in Sikkim, Adhikari said the state was entering an "era of development" and appealed to workers who had migrated to other states in search of jobs to return.

"I appeal to migrant workers to return. The state government is prepared to provide employment opportunities. Those who return can obtain fresh job cards and avail themselves of 125 days of work. Free ration is being provided by the Centre, Ayushman Bharat is available, and those not covered under it will receive benefits under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme. We will ensure that they do not face any hardship after returning," Adhikari said.

Adhikari also outlined a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating industrial growth in North Bengal.

He said the state government would allot 15 acres to dairy cooperative Amul in North Bengal, similar to the arrangements made in South Bengal. The Industries Department has already identified the land for the project, he added.

Highlighting the condition of the tea sector, Adhikari said 25 gardens in the state were currently closed, forcing many workers to migrate to other states for employment.

He said the state had been brought under the Prime Minister Tea Workers' Scheme, under which Rs 330 crore had been allocated for financial assistance to tea workers.

Adhikari expressed hope that 10 to 12 of the closed tea gardens would resume operations within the next two to three months, crediting the efforts of Labour Minister Arjun Singh and the Tea Board chairman.

The chief minister said the government was also working to promote agro-based industries in Malda, including food processing units for mangoes, litchis, makhana, pineapple and maize, besides encouraging industries centred on the region's renowned Tulaipanji rice.

He reiterated the government's commitment to the development of North Bengal, saying the region remained a priority for the state administration.

Earlier, Adhikari handed over financial assistance to the families of the 11 migrant workers from the state who were killed in the recent tunnel collapse in Sikkim's Namchi district and announced government jobs for members of nine bereaved families.

Adhikari, while speaking to reporters here after meeting the families at the Jalpaiguri District Magistrate's office, said each of the 11 affected families will get an ex gratia of Rs 21 lakh.

"Today we have extended financial assistance to all the families of the deceased workers. Members of nine families will be given government jobs. Seven of them have been appointed as home guards, and two will be recruited as civic volunteers. We stand firmly with these families in their hour of grief," Adhikari told reporters here.

The chief minister personally handed over appointment letters and the state government's financial assistance to the family members of the victims, many of whom had travelled from Malbazar and other parts of North Bengal. He also interacted with the parents, spouses and siblings of the deceased workers.

"This is not an act of charity; it is our responsibility. The state government is providing Rs 5 lakh to each bereaved family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The Sikkim government has already given Rs 4 lakh each. The public sector company involved in the project is paying compensation of Rs 5 lakh per family, while the private contractor executing the work is also providing Rs 5 lakh each. The Prime Minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each of the deceased," Adhikari said.

Eleven workers from the state were killed after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Namchi last week. Nine of the victims were residents of Malbazar in Jalpaiguri district. Their bodies were recovered after prolonged rescue operations in difficult terrain.

Adhikari said the state government had remained in touch with the Sikkim government immediately after the accident and had offered all possible assistance, including helicopters if required, to support the rescue efforts.

The chief minister also said verification of beneficiaries under the Annapurna Yojana was in progress and would be completed by August 30.

"Eligible women who are yet to receive benefits under the Annapurna Yojana need not worry. The verification process is underway, and all eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance in a transparent manner," Adhikari said.

Under the Annapurna Yojana, the BJP government provides eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000.

While many beneficiaries have already received payments for June and July, verification of the remaining applicants is continuing, a senior state government official said.