Soon rural industry policy to be made in Jharkhand: Raghubar

Ranchi: Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that small and cottage industries create employment for lots of people, therefore, rules and regulations for these industries are being simplified and more people are getting involved in this.

In a meeting with managing director of ESAF small finance Bank K Paul Thomas, he said that soon rural industry policy will come up in the state and in this like the textile sector companies which would be providing training to the villagers and linking them with jobs they would be provided rebates.

He said that in Jharkhand production of bamboo and dates is surplus, therefore, products related to these should be encouraged as not only it will create employment for the people but the farmers will be also benefited.

Mr Das said that apart from the 6 districts of Santhal Pargana in three districts of Kolhan region also their production takes place and suggested that in all blocks of these districts apart from training production units should be set up so that a change is brought in the life of the tribals.

The Chief Minister said that in all the districts of Santhal Pargana and in Chakulia West Singhbhum and Saraikela of Kolhan bamboo and dates are found in surplus which has increased employment opportunities. He said that in these districts the work of training should be commenced soon and assured that the government will be providing help through skill development program.

He also asked to link Sakhi Mandal with these projects. Mr Das said that the state government has prohibited the use of single-use plastic and therefore focus should be as to how the products from bamboo can replace it. He said that there was a huge demand of the products of bamboo not only in the country but also abroad.

He said that during Durga Puja and another festival in Ranchi Jamshedpur Dhanbad and other cities stalls should be set up so that products can be sold and similarly in prominent fairs across the country and the world stalls of Jharkhand should be put up.

Mr Thomas said that currently in 9 blocks training and production units are functioning and soon 24 others would be started which would overall create unemployment for 50,000 people. Those present in the meeting also included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sunil Kumar Barnwal director Industries K Ravikumar CEO SKill Development Kripanand Jha and others.