West Bengal CM Provides Compensation To Workers’ Families After Sikkim Incident

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday handed over compensation cheques of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of 11 migrant workers from the state who were killed in an accident at an under-construction NHPC Limited tunnel in Namchi, Sikkim, on July 20. The Chief Minister met the families at the Jalpaiguri District Magistrate’s office and provided financial assistance to the victims’ relatives.

Along with the compensation, Adhikari announced that one member from each of the 11 affected families would be provided employment as home guards in the state police. The move was announced as support for the families who lost their primary earners in the tunnel tragedy.

The Chief Minister arrived at the temporary helipad of the Jalpaiguri SAI Sports Complex by helicopter from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri before travelling to the District Magistrate’s office. During his interaction with the families, he expressed support and assured them of continued assistance from the state government.

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Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said many youths from West Bengal have been forced to migrate to other states for employment due to limited job opportunities. He said the government was working to create more employment avenues within the state and urged migrant workers to gradually return as industrial and government employment opportunities increase.

Adhikari said efforts were underway to revive industries and generate jobs through large factories, small-scale industries, and cottage industries. He also stated that the government was working to resolve administrative issues and accelerate development initiatives after addressing legal challenges related to OBC matters.

The Chief Minister further announced plans to reopen around 12 of the 25 closed tea gardens in North Bengal within three months. He added that nationally recognised milk-product manufacturing companies would be provided 15 acres of land each in South Bengal and North Bengal to establish production units, which he said would create additional employment opportunities and support regional economic growth.

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