PM Advisor Reviews Jharia Mine Rehabilitation and Development Initiatives
Advisor to the Prime Minister Shri Tarun Kapoor conducted a two-day visit to Dhanbad to review rehabilitation, livelihood generation, skill development, education and other developmental initiatives under the Jharia Master Plan (JMP). The visit focused on families affected by Jharia mine fires and included interactions with rehabilitated families and local residents to understand their requirements, expectations, and concerns.
At Karmatand Township, Kapoor inspected the Middle/High School and planted a sapling on the premises. He visited BCCL's Multi Skill Development Institute (MSDI-IV) operated in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which provides training in trades including Beautician, Customer Care Executive and Assistant Fitter. Approximately 800 youth have completed training at these centers so far, with more than 250 trainees currently undergoing training in various trades. The training programs range from two-and-a-half to three months, with a majority of trained candidates having secured employment or placement with different companies.
At Belgaria Township, Kapoor interacted with local residents who highlighted the need for expansion of existing facilities and upgradation of older housing units. He emphasized that the rehabilitation program aims to provide safe, dignified and improved living conditions with strengthened education, healthcare, skill development, employment, and livelihood opportunities through coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies.
Joint Secretary from Ministry of Textiles Smt. Alaknanda Dayal highlighted potential for creating local employment opportunities in rehabilitation areas, particularly in handmade fibre and technical textiles. The visit included inspection of stalls established by Self-Help Groups under JharShilp and Project Aarohi with BCCL's CSR & JMP support, showcasing handicraft items and artisanal products.
Kapoor inaugurated an upgraded Primary School, Health Sub Centre and Model Anganwadi Centre-cum-Pre-Nursery School at Jharia Vihar Colony. He also reviewed the proposed infrastructure upgradation at RSP College in Phase-I. At Belgaria, he inspected BCCL's MSDI-II and reviewed the Skill Development and Production Centre being developed through collaborative efforts of BCCL, Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), Jharkhand Government and Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Private Limited. Following completion of ongoing training programs, Rajdhani Textiles will commence skill training and production activities related to the textile industry at the centre.
The visit concluded with a high-level review meeting at Dhanbad Collectorate chaired by Kapoor, attended by Coal India Chairman Shri B. Sairam; CMD BCCL Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal; Joint Secretary (Textiles) Smt. Alaknanda Dayal; Project Advisor (MoC) Shri Alok Kumar Singh and other senior officials from Ministry of Coal, district administration, JRDA, BCCL and other concerned departments. Kapoor directed agencies to accelerate rehabilitation efforts and prioritize safe and dignified rehabilitation of affected families, emphasizing strengthened education, healthcare, livelihood generation, skill development and basic infrastructure with close coordination among implementing agencies.