Mamata launches 1500 monthly Yuva Sathi scheme, camps from 15-26 Feb in all assemblies

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced that the Yuva Sathi scheme will begin from April 1, advancing the earlier proposed start date of August 15. Addressing a press conference, she said the scheme is meant for those who have passed Madhyamik and are aged between 21 and 40 years, with beneficiaries receiving ₹1,500 for five years, irrespective of other scholarships.

Banerjee said camps will be organised in all 294 Assembly constituencies from February 15 to February 26, between 10 am and 5 pm. Applications for Yuva Sathi and for landless agricultural labourers should be submitted at these offline camps, she added, clarifying that online applications should not be made at present. Landless agricultural labourers will receive ₹2,000 twice a year.

The Chief Minister also said payments under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme have started, with ₹1,500 to be given to all beneficiaries. She announced a Holi Milan programme and said security arrangements would be strengthened during Ramzan, noting that elections and festivals are approaching. Emphasising the April 1 rollout, Banerjee said the Yuva Sathi payments would definitely be made on that date.