West Bengal CM says 22 lakh people can work daily under 125-day scheme; 7,190 Panchayat hires planned

On 4 November 2026, West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari said the state’s 125-day work programme would enable 22 lakh people to work each day. The state has set a target of 22 crore workdays, with projects worth about ₹12,000 crore planned. A total of 65 lakh 62 thousand workdays had been generated at the time of the announcement.

Recruitment plans

The state plans to recruit 7,190 people to the Panchayat Department through the Public Service Commission. It also plans to hire 1,000 additional contractual workers to support work delivery. Adhikari said the proposal for the contractual hires was due to be considered at a Cabinet meeting on 23 November.

Important Facts for Exams

• Participation condition: Workfare links continued welfare receipt to participation in public-service employment or employment training.
• Scheme models: Workfare schemes may place recipients directly into jobs or build their human capital through training and education.
• Joint commission provision: Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for each state; two or more states may share a Joint Commission established by Parliament.
• Commission functions: State Public Service Commissions conduct recruitment examinations and are consulted on recruitment methods, appointments, promotions and disciplinary matters, subject to constitutional exceptions.