The state government has launched a new scheme for sex workers alongside common people in our society. The name of the scheme is “Muktir Alo Scheme.” On 4th September 2015, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced this scheme for the sex workers and disadvantaged women of the state.
The primary aim of the scheme is to bring them back into the mainstream of society. This unique scheme is being implemented under the joint initiative of the West Bengal Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare and the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The scheme offers multiple benefits, as officially stated.
Overview of Muktir Alo Scheme
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Scheme | Mukti’r Alo Scheme |
| State where it is implemented | West Bengal |
| Launched by | Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee |
| Department | Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare |
| Launch Date | 4 September 2015 |
| Current Status | Active in 2024 |
| Eligible Applicants | Volunteer organizations interested in providing this service and having experience working in red-light areas |
| Age Limit | None |
| Benefits | 1. Government provides 9 months of training for sex workers, including full accommodation and food. 2. Financial assistance up to ₹25,000. 3. Regular counselling to help sex workers return to mainstream society. |
| Contact Address | West Bengal Women Development Corporation Office, under the Dept. of Women & Child Development & Social Welfare — Nirmal Bhavan, Salt Lake, Kolkata–91 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
What is Muktir Alo Scheme ?
The West Bengal government has arranged training for sex workers under the Muktir Alo Scheme. The government will provide financial assistance to start small or medium businesses. It has also been stated that acting training may be provided in some cases. All of this is an effort to make them self-reliant. Like any other person, they too wish to live with dignity in society—but most of the time, they are unable to do so.
They have always remained a neglected group in society. Their children also hardly find a place in society. Educated and respectable society rarely accepts them. They have always been looked at with judgment and bias. It is as if they are deprived of all social rights and opportunities. Hence, the scheme has been named Muktir Alo—to bring light into the lives of sex workers in Bengal.
Objective of Muktir Alo Scheme
Even in the 21st century, we still judge people based on their profession. That is why many sex workers or transgender people continue to face discrimination. We criticize them and neither accept nor respect their work. We forget that they, too, are human beings like us. Some enter the profession due to poverty, some due to trafficking, and find shelter in brothels against their will.
Benefits of the Muktir Alo Scheme
- Sex workers will receive training under this scheme. During the training period, the government will take care of their lodging and food.
- Regular counseling will be provided to help them return to the mainstream of society.
- Training will be given in spice grinding, block printing, reuse of tire tubes, and cafeteria management.
- Many sex workers across the state are already benefiting from the scheme.
- After completing the training, if they wish to start a business, the government will provide financial assistance up to ₹25,000.
- A 9-month training program is provided along with a monthly stipend.
- This is the first time the state government is offering full financial support for such a rehabilitation program, along with help from NGOs.
- If any beneficiary desires, they may receive a one-time capital grant after training to start an independent livelihood.
Who Will Receive Benefits of the Muktir Alo Scheme?
- Sex workers
- Women or girls rescued from human trafficking
- Daughters of sex workers
Many girls who are trafficked to other states eventually end up in brothels, losing all ties to their family and society. For these unfortunate women and girls, the government aims to provide training and counseling to reintegrate them into society and make them financially independent. The scheme also aims to rehabilitate women who want to leave sex work but are forced to continue due to circumstances.
In short, the main objective of the scheme is to bring trafficked and exploited women back into the mainstream of society.
Eligibility for Institutions Providing Training
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with prior experience working in red-light areas will be permitted to offer training under this scheme.
Eligibility for Training Under Muktir Alo Scheme
- Women and girls who are victims of trafficking
- Sex workers and their children
- Any unfortunate woman associated with the sex trade who wants to rebuild her life
Contact Details of Muktir Alo Scheme
For more details, contact:
West Bengal Women Development Corporation
(Under Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Department)
Address: Nirmal Bhavan, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 91
Conclusion
Sex workers face constant judgment, bias, and social rejection, making everyday survival extremely difficult. Whether they will ever be fully accepted into society remains uncertain. But amidst uncertainty, the Muktir Alo Scheme has brought hope—opening up opportunities for a dignified life.
The West Bengal government, through this scheme, is helping trafficked and marginalized women dream again. This is where the true success of the scheme lies.
Some important links of the Muktir Alo Scheme:
| Official website link of the Muktir Alo Scheme | Click Here |
