The West Bengal government, led by TMC President Mamata Banerjee, announced a major welfare scheme to support its unemployed youth financially ahead of the West Bengal elections. The scheme provides an allowance of ₹1,500 to eligible candidates. The allowance was to be announced in August, but it is scheduled for April 1, 2026.
The West Bengal government has announced a scheme to support the state's unemployed youth called Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026. The scheme was announced by the chief minister of the state, Mamata Banerjee, during the state's interim budget and was set to roll out from August, but now it is scheduled to operate from April 1.
The scheme promises to provide a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to unemployed youth of the state. This is a scheme for educated but unemployed youth, and the government wants to support the youth who are able to find jobs in the state due to a lack of opportunities.
The government has clarified that the scheme is not a reliable source of income but a support while the person is able to acquire a source of income and utilise their skill. There are several criteria to be fulfilled by the scheme Beneficiary.
Applications will start from February 15 to February 26, 2026, at camps and will also be available at online portals. Fund release will begin on April 1, 2026. The applicant must be between 21 and 40 years of age, have passed class 10, and must be a permanent resident of West Bengal. When applying, the person must be unemployed.
Local camps have been in every assembly constituency for the applicants to submit papers in persons and it is available through the online portal. Applicants may download the form and submit digitally through the official Department of Youth Services and Sports website https://sportsandyouth.wb.gov.in/