Bengal to launch digital portal for financial aid to workers of closed and abandoned factories

The West Bengal government is preparing to launch a digital portal to manage financial assistance for workers affected by factory and garden closures. The initiative, overseen by the state Labour Department, aims to streamline the process of applying for and receiving aid under the existing Fawwara scheme. The portal is being developed by Webel, the state-owned IT company, and is expected to go live within a few weeks.

According to official sources, workers of locked-out, shut down, or abandoned industrial units will be eligible for aid if the unit has remained closed for at least one month. For other industrial sectors, the requirement is that the unit must be non-operational for a minimum of six months. Workers will be able to register their names online, complete verification steps, and receive assistance directly into their bank accounts.

The digital platform will also allow authorities to update the beneficiary database by adding new industrial units and removing ineligible recipients, including those who have died, retired, or been re-employed. Integration with the state’s Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) will enable direct bank transfers and help ensure timely disbursement of funds.

Key technical features of the portal will include migration of the existing database, artificial intelligence–based reporting, secure authentication, and cyber security audits. The system will be hosted on the State Data Centre. Officials stated that these measures are intended to reduce processing delays and ensure accurate delivery of benefits to eligible workers.