Jharkhand Assembly Greenlights Rs 1,168.73 Crore Budget for Labour and Skill Development
The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, in a significant move on Tuesday, granted its approval for a substantial budget allocation of Rs 1,168.73 crore dedicated to the state's labour, employment, training, and skill development department. This decision followed a comprehensive and spirited discussion among lawmakers, highlighting both the department's achievements and pressing concerns regarding employment and worker welfare in the region.
MLA Jairam Mahto Raises Critical Employment Policy Issues
During the session, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha MLA Jairam Mahto moved a cut motion, bringing to the forefront the absence of a formal employment policy in the state. He argued that this gap has led to a troubling scenario where local residents are unable to secure jobs within Jharkhand, forcing them to migrate to other states in search of livelihood opportunities.
Mahto strongly advocated for conducting the maximum number of competitive examinations in local languages, asserting that this measure would enhance accessibility and fairness for native candidates, thereby potentially curbing the outflow of talent and labor from the state.
Other MLAs Voice Concerns and Suggestions
MLA Alok Kumar Chaurasia emphasized the need for improved operation of skill development programs, suggesting that more effective implementation could significantly benefit the state's populace. He also pointed out that the allocation for the industries department stands at Rs 541.30 crore and recommended an increase to foster greater industrial growth and job creation.
Adding to the discourse, MLA Jagat Majhi raised a poignant issue concerning migrant workers. He urged the government to ensure the repatriation of bodies of workers who die in other states, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families in such tragic circumstances.
Labour Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav Highlights Departmental Achievements
In his detailed reply, Labour Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav outlined the department's accomplishments, providing a robust defense of its initiatives. He revealed that through the innovative Shramdaan portal, a total of 83,919 workers in unorganized sectors have benefited from various state government schemes, demonstrating a tangible impact on ground-level welfare.
The minister further reported significant progress in combating child labor, stating that 80 children were freed from exploitative conditions. Out of these, 22 have been successfully enrolled in schools, with ongoing efforts to integrate the remaining children into the educational system.
Addressing the welfare of migrant workers, Yadav disclosed that a sum of Rs 225.5 lakh has been distributed among the families of 273 migrant workers who passed away during the current financial year, offering crucial financial support during times of grief.
Budget Allocation and Future Implications
The approved budget of Rs 1,168.73 crore is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing labour welfare, skill development, and employment generation across Jharkhand. Key areas of focus include:
- Strengthening the Shramdaan portal to reach more unorganized sector workers.
- Expanding skill development programs to align with industry demands.
- Implementing measures to reduce child labor and ensure educational rehabilitation.
- Providing enhanced support for migrant workers and their families.
This budgetary approval marks a critical step towards addressing the employment challenges highlighted by MLAs, with the potential to foster economic stability and reduce forced migration if effectively executed. The discussions underscore a collective push for policies that prioritize local employment, linguistic inclusivity in exams, and comprehensive worker protection.
