West Bengal Govt Didn’t Give Data, Hence Miss Out Benefits Of Migrant Workers Scheme – Nirmala Sitharaman

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has slammed the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal squarely for missing out the benefits from the recently announced ”Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan”scheme for migrant workers, as it had not provided any data on the same. The finance Minister was critical of the TMC government for its opposition to the pro-people policies of the Centre.

Addressing a virtual rally for the people of Bengal, the Union finance minister also slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for “her reluctance to allow Shramik Special train services in the state”.

“The West Bengal government has been opposing all pro-people policies of the Centre…Six states have shared data on migrant workers, following their return. West Bengal, however, did not…

“Our prime minister launched a scheme, which covers 116 districts in the country, but none from Bengal could be included as the TMC government didn”t bother to share any data with us. The ruling dispensation in Bengal doesn”t want any of the Centre”s welfare policies to be implemented,” she said.

Sitharaman, however, appreciated the chief minister for her support to the central government on the issue of the Sino-India border standoff.

“I would credit her for one thing; at least on the Sino-India border issue, she (Mamata Banerjee) stood by the Centre,” Sitharaman said.

Terming the TMC government as “anti-people”, Sitharaman said the state was informed about cyclone ”Amphan”, 11 days in advance, but it failed to take adequate precaution.

Several lives could have been saved, if timely measures were taken, she said.

On West Bengal”s alleged unwillingness to bring back migrant labourers, Sitharaman said it was the only state that was not keen on taking back its workers.

“The migrant labourers would never forget the treatment you (Mamata Banerjee) have meted out to them. She (Mamata) had said that these special migrant trains were bringing more coronavirus cases to the state. It was a heartless statement,” the Union minister said.