CM stresses labour reforms, ITI upgradation and migration control

PNS

RANCHI

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday directed officials to update the database of unorganised, construction and migrant workers, modernise Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and formulate a comprehensive strategy to curb migration from Jharkhand. He stressed the need to transform Jharkhand from a labour-supplying state into a self-reliant economy driven by skilled employment and entrepreneurship.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Labour, Employment, Training and Skill Development Department and the Planning and Development Department at the Jharkhand Secretariat, the Chief Minister reviewed the implementation of welfare schemes, employment generation programmes, skill development initiatives and labour welfare measures.

Soren instructed officials to prepare an updated database of unorganised, construction and migrant workers within the next three months. He said the state should have complete information on the location and nature of work of Jharkhand labourers employed in other states. He also emphasised registration of workers on the e-Shram portal and their linkage with social security and welfare schemes.

To strengthen support for migrant workers, Migrant Assistance Centres will be established under the Jharkhand State Migrant Facilitation Assistance Scheme in Noida, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Similar support mechanisms are also planned in neighbouring states.

The Chief Minister directed the department to organise registration camps and accelerate labour registration through online portals. He also stressed the need to register MGNREGA workers and ensure timely assistance during emergencies. Highlighting workplace safety, he asked officials to provide support for safety kits, including helmets, gloves and protective footwear, and enforce safety standards at construction sites.

Expressing concern over migration, Soren called for a dedicated action plan to create local livelihood opportunities and reduce dependence on migration. He also directed officials to identify labour congregation points and develop them into “Shramik Chowk-cum-Facilitation Centres” equipped with shelters and basic amenities.

Highlighting the importance of skill development, the Chief Minister ordered the upgradation of ITIs and vocational training centres. He directed that one ITI in every district be developed as a Model ITI and that training programmes be aligned with current industrial demand. He also called for modern laboratories, advanced machinery, smart classrooms and stronger placement mechanisms to ensure employment for trained youth.

During the meeting, Soren interacted via video conferencing with trained youth employed in Jabalpur and Pune, who shared their success stories after receiving skill training in Jharkhand.

Labour Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav and senior government officials attended the meeting.