SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 22: IIT ISM Dhanbad, in collaboration with the America India Foundation (AIF), organized a workshop focused on improving the livelihoods of coal mining communities. The event was inaugurated by Prof. M.K. Singh, Dean (Academics) at IIT ISM.
The workshop brought together key government stakeholders and industry experts, including officials from Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), the Lead District Manager (LDM) office, the District Agriculture Office (DAO), and the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth for these communities.
Govt Support and Startup Opportunities
Amit Kumar, LDM of Dhanbad, initiated the discussions by addressing government funding and loan facilities available for startup ideas. This session focused on how the government can support new ventures aimed at improving the economic conditions of coal mining communities.
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Research Findings and Skill Development
Prof. Anshumali’s team from the Department of Environmental Science at IIT ISM presented findings from a livelihood study. The research focused on informal mining workers in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and Korba, Chhattisgarh. The study highlighted the challenges faced by these workers and potential strategies for enhancing their livelihoods.
The workshop also celebrated the graduation of 120 trainees from the AIF Dhanbad Centre. These individuals received training in various fields, including retail, beauty & wellness, solar technology, mushroom cultivation, and tailoring. The training aimed to improve their employability and contribute to sustainable community development.
Smruti Das, Regional Director of AIF East Zone, and Kumar Rajnish, National Coordinator for Livelihoods at AIF, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for coal mining communities. Their efforts aim to empower individuals and ensure long-term development for the region.
