State to set up ‘Nagar Jibika Kendra’ to help urban poor

As per the state government source, the project has been taken under West Bengal Urban Livelihood Mission. 28 such centres will be established in different districts – in the urban local bodies or municipal areas. The first phase of work has started, confirmed the source.

The livelihood centres, which are run by self-help group federations, NGOs or resource organizations, but come under direct supervision of urban local bodies (ULBs), are getting an untied fund of Rs 10 lakh for running a centre.

Although the project is being implemented by the State Urban Livelihood Mission (WBSULM) through ULBs and state urban development agency, but the state municipal affairs department is responsible for implementation.

Many urban poor families had formed their self-help groups and produced different kinds of products through training, but were lagging behind in selling their products. These livelihood centres will solve their problems. These centres would also give shelters to the flood hit people.

Self Help Groups (SHG) and its federations will be benefited with various types of information through which they can enhance their livelihood. While SHGs and its federations will get information on credit linkage under various schemes, the unemployed youth will get information about skill training and employment opportunities including self-employment, the source informed.