THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 5: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday directed officials to expedite the creation of updated databases of unorganised, construction and migrant workers, while reviewing the performance of the Department of Labour, Employment, Training and Skill Development.
At a high-level meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat, the Chief Minister reviewed the implementation of labour welfare schemes, employment generation programmes, skill development initiatives and employment services. Labour Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav was also present.
Update Worker Database Within Three Months
Soren directed officials to ensure that comprehensive data on workers is available on the departmental portal within the next three months.
He said the database should clearly indicate how many Jharkhand workers are employed in different states and sectors across the country.
“The safety, security and welfare of workers depend on the effectiveness of the department’s work. We need a strong outreach mechanism for workers,” the Chief Minister said.
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Helpline Centres and Migrant Assistance Centres Planned
The Chief Minister instructed the department to establish dedicated helpline centres for workers and strengthen support systems for migrant labourers.
Officials informed the meeting that Migrant Assistance Centres would be set up in Noida, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai under the Jharkhand State Migrant Assistance Scheme to assist workers from Jharkhand, including those employed abroad.
Focus on Reducing Migration
Soren stressed that Jharkhand should move beyond its image as a labour-supplying state and focus on becoming self-reliant.
“The priority is to establish Jharkhand’s identity as a self-reliant state rather than merely a labour-based state,” he said.
He directed officials to formulate a robust action plan to curb migration and create livelihood opportunities closer to workers’ homes.
Worker Registration Drive to Be Intensified
The Chief Minister instructed the Labour Department to organise registration camps and ensure that more workers are enrolled on the e-Shram portal.
He also directed officials to ensure registration of workers engaged under MGNREGA and improve access to social security benefits and welfare schemes.
Safety Measures for Workers
Soren directed the department to provide financial assistance for safety kits, including helmets, safety shoes, gloves and other protective equipment.
He also asked officials to enforce safety norms at construction sites, including the installation of display boards highlighting mandatory safety requirements.
One Model ITI in Every District
The Chief Minister directed officials to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and vocational training centres across the state.
Key directives included:
- Development of one Model ITI in each district
- Grading of ITIs based on performance
- Introduction of high-value agriculture courses
- Installation of modern machinery, laboratories and smart classrooms
- Industry-oriented training programmes aligned with future workforce demands
Stronger Placement Support for Youth
Soren emphasised the need for a robust placement mechanism to ensure trained youth secure employment after completing their courses.
He asked officials to build an “employment chain” linking trained students with employers and explore the engagement of industry experts and retired professionals for skill development programmes.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister interacted via video conferencing with former trainees currently employed outside Jharkhand, including Suraj Kumar, an ITI Dhanbad alumnus working in Jabalpur, and Anima Kumari, who is employed in Pune after training at a skill centre in Lohardaga.
Timely Delivery of Welfare Benefits
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive benefits under labour welfare schemes without delay and called for greater coordination among departments to improve implementation.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Labour Department Secretary Jitendra Kumar Singh, Labour Commissioner Sandeep Singh and Special Secretary Aditya Kumar Anand.