Jammu: Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment, Ajay Sadhotra has asked the authorities of the companies executing Rail, Road and Power Projects in the State to evolve a system to benefit the families affected during project implementation besides engaging maximum locals in  skilled and unskilled jobs.
This was stated by the minister while taking stock of the employment avenues generated for the locals in these projects, according to an official spokesperson.
Commissioner Secretary, Labour and Employment, Labour Commissioner, Assistant Labour Commissioners of Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar and Jammu districts besides the representatives from Navyuga Engineering Ltd, Bumi Geo Engineering Ltd, Leighton Welspun Contractors Ltd, GVK Ratle HE Project, IVRCL Ltd and Afcon Infrastructure Ltd were present in the meeting.
The minister said that government has commitments with the people particularly locals with regard to job creation and elucidated upon the authorities of the various Companies to engage maximum people of these areas.    Sadhotra said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah wants improvement in the socio economic life of the locals  through these developmental projects in the State. He said the first step in this direction is to give jobs to the affected families and their suitable rehabilitation.
The minister said the public support is necessary for taking forward the projects smoothly and asked the Company heads to maintain cordial relations with the local populace for overall benefit of both the company and people. He said the labour unrest directly affects the work and underlined need for addressing the grievances of the local work force. He asked the authorities to adhere to the labour laws of the State while implementing the projects.
Regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the minister told the authorities to do something having long-term benefits for the people.
He said construction of health centre, ITI, community halls and equipping school with computer and other necessary gadgets will be the choices for the purposes.
It was given out that Rattle Power Project has earmarked Rs 90 crore for skill development of locals, infrastructural development and CSR while 1percent of revenue generation together with 1 percent to be borne by the state will be incurred on development of the affected area. Apart from this, Rs 10 crore have been placed at the disposal of DC, Kishtwar, out of Rs 20 crore, for implementing resettlement and rehabilitation plan (RRS), it was added.
The meeting was informed that Jai Prakash Industries Ltd has engaged 2790 skilled and un-skilled local persons in the company besides training 800 locals in the projects under taken by the Company. The Company has constructed an ITI building at Kulgam, providing pension to widows, scholarships to students besides under taking other social development activities. They suggested formation of Social Development Society, headed by concerned Deputy Commissioners, in the Project sites for development of affected areas. Other companies are also implementing similar development works, it was told.
Navyuga Engineering Ltd has engaged 425 locals out of 648, Bumi Geo Engineering Ltd 42 skilled unskilled out of 99, Leighton Welspun Contractors Ltd 806 out of 905, GVK Ratle H.E. Project 43 skilled unskilled , IVRCL Ltd 164 out of 271, it was given out in the meeting.

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