Yuva Sathi will roll out on Apr 1 instead of Aug 15

Kolkata: The Bengal govt would roll out Yuva Sathi scheme from April 1, instead of Aug 15, chief minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters on Tuesday.The scheme, proposed in the vote-on-account, allows for Rs 1,500 direct cash transfer to unemployed youths, aged 21 years to 40 years, who have passed Madhyamik, till they get employment or up to five years, whichever is earlier .
"Earlier, we had decided to launch the scheme on Aug 15. But as the financial year begins on April 1, we decided to implement it from April 1," Banerjee said. The CM said special camps would be held in all the 294 assembly segments to enrol beneficiaries for the scheme. The camps will operate from Feb 15 to 26, except on holidays, and will be open from 10 am to 5 pm. "Applicants will receive receipts after submitting their details, and the entire process will be digitised," Banerjee said.She added, "It has been clearly stated that beneficiaries of scholarships, such as Aikyashree, Medhashree, Shikhyashree or the student smart card, will also be eligible for Yuva Sathi." The CM said a review would be conducted after completion of five years. Banerjee said those looking to enrol for other state schemes could also attend these camps. "Under Krishak Bandhu scheme, we provide Rs 2 lakh as compensation to beneficiaries in the event of death. We also provide crop insurance. Farmers with over 1 acre of land get a financial assistance of Rs 10,000 a year and farmers with 1 katha of land Rs 4,000 a year. Landless farm labourers can register themselves at these camps to receive financial assistance of Rs 2,000 twice a year," the chief minister said.Banerjee said given the brief time frame, the govt was not adopting an online approach, as submissions and reviews would take time and people might be deprived. "Applications will need to be submitted physically," she said. Banerjee said, "Beneficiaries are already receiving the increased financial assistance under Lakshmir Bhandar. The disbursement was delayed by a few days due to the vote-on-account. They will receive the increased amount from Feb."The CM said, "Ramzan will begin soon. Holi, Eid and Ram Navami are approaching. If polls coincide with the occasions, so be it — everything will take place simultaneously."