BSCA & BHTF Seek Government Support to Expand Youth Skill Development and Elderly Care Across West Bengal
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Kolkata, July 9: In a significant step towards strengthening youth empowerment and elderly healthcare services in West Bengal, a delegation from Banchbo Socio-cultural Association (BSCA) and Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation (BHTF) met Shri Kshudiram Tudu, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of the Departments of Minority Affairs, Tribal Development & Backward Classes Welfare, and Madrasah Education, Government of West Bengal, at Nabanna.
The delegation was led by Dr. Dhires Kumar Chowdhury, Founder President of BSCA and Founder Director of BHTF. Other members included Mr. Sushil Sharma, Treasurer of BSCA and Director of BHTF, Mr. Shyamal Bhuniya, Nursing In-charge of BHTF, and Ms. Panmoni Soren, Junior Nursing Assistant of BHTF.
Inspiring Success Stories from Jungle Mahal
A highlight of the meeting was the remarkable journey of Mr. Shyamal Bhuniya and Ms. Panmoni Soren, both hailing from the Jungle Mahal region of Jhargram district. After successfully completing the Certified Nursing Assistant Course conducted by the Banchbo School of Human Skill Development (BSHSD), they were recruited by Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation and are now serving professionally in the field of elderly home healthcare.
Their transformation from rural tribal youth to trained healthcare professionals stands as a compelling example of how structured skill development can create sustainable employment while addressing the growing demand for quality elderly care services. Their achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of BSHSD’s mission of empowering marginalized communities through vocational education and healthcare training.
Proposal for Statewide Skill Development
During the meeting, the delegation submitted a comprehensive proposal seeking the support of the Government of West Bengal to expand skill development programmes among youth from marginalized, minority, and tribal communities across the state.
The proposal placed special emphasis on building a professionally trained workforce in elderly care—an emerging sector that offers both immense social value and significant employment opportunities. The delegation highlighted that the success stories of Mr. Bhuniya and Ms. Soren could be replicated across West Bengal, creating a sustainable model that simultaneously addresses the needs of an ageing population while generating dignified livelihoods for thousands of young people.
Minister Appreciates the Initiative
The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the vision behind the initiative, acknowledging its demonstrated impact in creating employment opportunities for socially disadvantaged communities. He held a cordial and constructive discussion with the delegation and assured them that the proposal would receive due consideration.
The Minister also expressed his willingness to explore possible support from his department to strengthen and expand such socially impactful programmes across the state.
A Heartwarming Tribal Connection
One of the most memorable moments of the meeting came when Shri Kshudiram Tudu warmly interacted with Ms. Panmoni Soren in her native tribal language. The heartfelt exchange reflected the Minister’s close connection with the tribal community and added a personal and inspiring dimension to the interaction.
Felicitation and Literary Gesture
As a mark of respect and appreciation, the BSCA and BHTF delegation felicitated the Hon’ble Minister with a Certificate of Recognition, an Uttariyo, and a flower bouquet, acknowledging his appointment as Minister overseeing several key departments in the newly constituted Government of West Bengal.
On the occasion, Dr. Dhires Kumar Chowdhury also presented the Minister with a copy of his Bengali poetry collection, “Hrid Majhare,” as a token of goodwill.
Strengthening Inclusive Development
The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming a shared commitment to inclusive development, youth empowerment, and strengthening West Bengal’s elderly care ecosystem.
BSCA and BHTF expressed confidence that the constructive dialogue would pave the way for future collaborations capable of creating a large pool of skilled elderly care professionals while empowering youth from marginalized, minority, and tribal communities with sustainable career opportunities.
The journeys of Shyamal Bhuniya and Panmoni Soren continue to serve as inspiring examples of how targeted skill development can transform lives and provide a scalable model for inclusive socio-economic development in West Bengal.
