Advisor To PM, Tarun Kapoor Reviews Rehabilitation and Development Initiatives at Belgaria and Karmatand Townships – Indian PSU

Advisor to the Prime Minister, Tarun Kapoor, visited Belgaria and Karmatand townships in Dhanbad today as part of his two-day visit to the district to review rehabilitation, livelihood generation, skill development, education and other developmental initiatives being undertaken under the Jharia Master Plan (JMP). During his visit, Kapoor reviewed various initiatives being implemented for families affected by the Jharia mine fires and interacted with rehabilitated families and local residents to understand their requirements, expectations and concerns.

The visit formed part of a comprehensive review of BCCL’s operational activities, modern mining technologies, Jharia fire management and rehabilitation and development initiatives under the Jharia Master Plan.

Education and Skill Development Initiatives at Karmatand

Kapoor began the day with a visit to Karmatand Township, where he inspected the Middle/High School and interacted with students to take stock of the educational environment and basic facilities available at the institution. He also planted a sapling on the school premises, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation.

He thereafter visited BCCL’s Multi Skill Development Institute (MSDI-IV), where he interacted with youth undergoing training in trades including Beautician, Customer Care Executive and Assistant Fitter. The MSDI-IV centre is being operated in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with the objective of enhancing employability and creating employment opportunities for youth from rehabilitated families.

Around 800 youth have successfully completed training at the centres so far, while more than 250 trainees are currently undergoing training in various trades. The training programmes range from two-and-a-half to three months, with a majority of trained candidates having secured employment or placement with different companies.

The initiative reflects BCCL’s continued focus on linking rehabilitation with sustainable livelihood opportunities and enabling rehabilitated families, particularly their youth, to benefit from skill development and employment opportunities.

Review of Rehabilitation and Livelihood Initiatives at Belgaria

The high-level delegation subsequently visited Belgaria Township and reviewed various rehabilitation and development initiatives. Kapoor interacted with local residents and sought their feedback on the facilities available in the township as well as their requirements for further development. Residents highlighted the need for expansion of existing facilities and upgradation of older housing units.

Kapoor emphasised that the objective of the rehabilitation programme is not merely relocation but to ensure that families affected by mine fires are provided with safe, dignified and improved living conditions. He stressed the importance of strengthening education, healthcare, skill development, employment, livelihood opportunities and other basic amenities through coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies.

Joint Secretary (Ministry of Textiles) Alaknanda Dayal highlighted the potential for creating local employment and livelihood opportunities in the rehabilitation areas, including through the textile sector. She particularly underlined the emerging opportunities in handmade fibre and technical textiles and provided necessary guidance to the concerned officials.

Promoting Local Livelihoods and Community Development

As part of the visit, Kapoor also inspected stalls established by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under JharShilp and Project Aarohi with the support of BCCL’s CSR & JMP initiatives. The stalls showcased handicraft items and a range of artisanal products, reflecting the skills and entrepreneurial potential of local communities and the scope for strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities through community-based initiatives.

During the visit to Jharia Vihar Colony, Kapoor inaugurated an upgraded Primary School, a Health Sub Centre and a Model Anganwadi Centre-cum-Pre-Nursery School. He also visited RSP College, in Phase-I and reviewed the proposed infrastructure upgradation and other developmental activities planned for the institution.

Skill Development and Textile Production at Belgaria

Kapoor further inspected BCCL’s MSDI-II, where training is currently being imparted in various trades, including multi skill technician. He also reviewed the activities of the Skill Development and Production Centre, being developed through the collaborative efforts of BCCL, the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), Jharkhand Govt. and Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Private Limited.

The centre has been established with the objective of promoting skill development, employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Following completion of the ongoing training programmes, Rajdhani Textiles in the initial phase shall commence skill training and production activities related to the textile industry at the centre. The initiative is expected to strengthen the linkage between skill development, local employment and production-oriented livelihood opportunities.

High-Level Review Meeting at Dhanbad Collectorate

The visit concluded with a high-level review meeting chaired by Kapoor at the Dhanbad Collectorate. The meeting reviewed the progress of rehabilitation, infrastructure and developmental activities being undertaken by JRDA and other concerned departments under the Jharia Master Plan.

Kapoor directed the concerned agencies to accelerate rehabilitation efforts and accord priority to the safe and dignified rehabilitation of affected families. He also emphasised the need to further strengthen education, healthcare, livelihood generation, skill development and basic infrastructure in the rehabilitation areas. He stressed the importance of close coordination among all implementing agencies and called for timely and result-oriented execution of ongoing and planned initiatives.

The meeting and field visits were attended by Coal India Chairman B. Sairam; CMD BCCL, Manoj Kumar Agarwal; Joint Secretary (Ministry of Textiles) Alaknanda Dayal; Project Advisor, (MoC), Alok Kumar Singh; Deputy Commissioner, Aditya Ranjan; SSP, Prabhat Kumar; Director (Technical/Operations), Sanjay Kumar Singh; Director (Technical/Projects & Planning), Rajiv Kumar Sinha and other senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, district administration, JRDA, BCCL and other concerned departments.

Following the review meeting, Kapoor departed for Durgapur as per his scheduled programme. The two-day visit provided an opportunity for a comprehensive review of BCCL’s operational activities, modern mining technologies, Jharia fire management and rehabilitation and development initiatives under the Jharia Master Plan.