Yuvasathi Registration Camp Begins in Kurseong, Targets Unemployed Young Women Aged 21–40
Kurseong, February 16 2026 — A special registration camp under the Yuvasathi Project has commenced in Kurseong to support unemployed young women through monthly financial assistance. The initiative, implemented by the Government of West Bengal, aims to provide economic relief and encourage skill development among eligible beneficiaries across the hill subdivision.
The registration drive began on February 15 and will continue until February 26 at designated centres within Kurseong Municipality. Officials said the camp is designed to streamline on-the-spot application verification and ensure that eligible candidates can complete formalities without travelling outside their locality.
Who Is Eligible for the Yuvasathi Scheme?
The Yuvasathi Registration Camp, introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, offers a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to unemployed young women who meet specific criteria.
According to officials overseeing the registration camp, applicants must:
- Be female and aged between 21 and 40 years
- Have passed Secondary (Madhyamik) or ICSE examinations
- Currently be unemployed
- Reside within the jurisdiction of Kurseong Municipality (Wards 1 to 20)
The financial assistance is intended to provide temporary economic support while beneficiaries explore employment or skill-building opportunities.
A senior administrative officer present at the camp said, “The objective is to support educated young women who are actively seeking work but face financial challenges.”
Registration Camp Details in Kurseong
The registration camp is being held at the 19th Ward Snowview Guide and Scout Building and at the BDO office premises under Kurseong Municipality. Applications are being accepted daily from 10 am to 5 pm during the scheduled dates.
On the first day of the camp, several local officials visited the venue to review the registration process and interact with applicants. Among those present were:
- Shyam Sherpa, Member of No. 28 Chimni-Deurali Constituency
- Prasenjit Chaudhary, Deputy Magistrate and Executive Officer of Kurseong Municipality
- Kaushik Chakraborty, Kurseong Division Development Officer
- Dinesh Tamang, Member of Kurseong Division Panchayat Committee
- Nagen Chhetri, Joint Secretary of No. 28 Chimni-Deurali Constituency
Officials observed documentation procedures and ensured that verification processes were being carried out smoothly.
Addressing Youth Unemployment in Hill Areas
Youth unemployment remains a persistent issue in hill districts, where limited industrial presence and seasonal tourism patterns restrict job availability. Educated young women, in particular, often face additional social and economic barriers when seeking employment opportunities outside their immediate communities.
Local representatives emphasized that schemes like Yuvasathi Registration Camp can serve as a bridge for beneficiaries while they pursue higher education, skill training, or employment.
A municipal official stated, “This assistance is not a permanent solution, but it provides essential support during the job-search phase. It can help young women maintain independence and confidence.”
However, some residents have also stressed the importance of parallel job creation measures. Community members attending the camp expressed hope that financial assistance would be accompanied by skill development programs and employment initiatives in the future.
Administrative Oversight and Transparency
Authorities overseeing the camp have highlighted the importance of transparent implementation. Applicants are required to submit necessary documents for age, educational qualification, and residency verification. Officials said strict screening will ensure that only eligible candidates are enrolled.
The presence of municipal and development officers on the first day was described as part of a broader monitoring effort to ensure smooth functioning and prevent procedural lapses.
Government representatives reiterated that public welfare schemes must reach genuine beneficiaries without delays. “We want to make sure that the process is simple and accessible,” an official said.
Public Response and Participation
On the opening day, several young women from different wards of Kurseong Municipality visited the Yuvasathi Registration Camp to complete registration formalities. Some applicants said they learned about the camp through local announcements and word-of-mouth within communities.
“I completed my secondary education and have been searching for work,” said a 24-year-old applicant. “This support will help me while I continue looking for opportunities.”
Community leaders believe that effective outreach is key to ensuring maximum participation, especially among women who may not regularly access digital information platforms.
Looking Ahead
As the registration camp continues until February 26, authorities expect increased participation from eligible wards across Kurseong Municipality. Officials have encouraged applicants to visit the camp within the designated hours to avoid last-minute rush.
The Yuvasathi registration drive in Kurseong reflects broader efforts to address unemployment challenges through direct benefit schemes. While financial assistance offers short-term relief, long-term impact will depend on sustained employment generation and skill development initiatives in the region.
For now, the camp represents an accessible opportunity for many young women seeking support during uncertain economic conditions. Its success will ultimately be measured by how effectively it reaches intended beneficiaries and contributes to their pathway toward stable employment.
