West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for families of migrant workers from North Bengal who lost their lives in the recent Sikkim tunnel tragedy, while also outlining a broader employment and industrial roadmap for the state.

During visits to Meteli and Nagrakata blocks in Jalpaiguri, the Chief Minister met bereaved families and said the government’s response was driven by both administrative responsibility and humanitarian concern.

Of the 12 people who died in the incident, 11 were from North Bengal. A total financial assistance package of Rs 21 lakh per family has been announced through combined efforts of the Centre, the state government, and private entities. This includes Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Rs 4 lakh from the Sikkim government, Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and Rs 10 lakh jointly from public sector undertakings and the contractor, Patel Private Limited.

In addition to financial aid, the state has directed that next of kin of seven deceased persons be appointed as Home Guards in the State Police. Four others, who did not meet the required physical criteria, will be offered positions as Civic Volunteers.

Response to the tragedy

Describing the toxic gas leak inside the tunnel as an “unfortunate accident” rather than a mere technical glitch, Adhikari said he remained in constant touch with the Sikkim Chief Minister following the incident.

Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department and the Inspector General of North Bengal, were promptly sent to the site. Rescue operations were carried out jointly by the Indian Army, the Sikkim administration, and experts from West Bengal’s Mines Department under challenging conditions.

Call for migrant workers to return

Highlighting employment initiatives, the Chief Minister urged migrant workers not to seek hazardous jobs outside the state. He said the “ten-week-old government” is creating job opportunities within West Bengal and encouraged workers to return home with assurances of employment.

Adhikari announced 125 days of guaranteed annual employment for unorganised workers, with a daily wage of Rs 300 for both existing and new job card holders. Old-age and widow pensions will be increased by Rs 500 from August.

In the health sector, the Chief Minister declared that August 16 will be observed as ‘Ayushman Diwas’, focusing on doorstep delivery of free healthcare services. Around 40 lakh senior citizens are being issued Ayushman Bharat cards.

For those not covered under the central scheme, the state will launch the ‘Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana’, offering medical coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Industrial push in North Bengal

The Chief Minister also outlined key industrial initiatives aimed at boosting the economy of North Bengal. Plans include food processing units for mangoes and litchis in Malda, and for makhana, pineapples, maize, and Tulaipanji rice in the region. Dairy brand Amul has been allotted 15-acre land parcels in both North and South Bengal to set up ice cream manufacturing plants.

An allocation of Rs 330 crore has been made under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Yojana’ to revive closed tea gardens. The government aims to reopen 10 to 12 of the 25 shut tea estates within the next two to three months.

Reiterating his government’s emphasis on North Bengal, Adhikari said the region would be central to the state’s industrial revival. He described the initiative as the beginning of an “Amrit Kaal” for economic growth.

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