GANDHINAGAR: Amid the attacks on migrant workers from UP and
Bihar, following the rape of a 14-month-old girl in
Sabarkantha district in North
Gujarat, there was a strong buzz in political and bureaucratic circles that CM Vijay Rupani will drop the idea of framing a law to ensure that industrial units give 80% of jobs to persons belonging to Gujarat. The state’s labour and employment minister, Dilip Thakore, however, on Monday said there was no correlation between the recent anti-migrant violence and the government’s intention of ensuring employment goes to local youths.
“We have so far held two meetings on the law for more employment opportunities to Gujaratis and those domiciled here. According to the latest guidelines, 85% of the jobs must be given to the local population. We have been taking legal opinions and studying the policies of other states,” said Thakore. “The state has the power to make rules and regulations. When industry gets benefits like land, water and financial incentives, locals and the government want job to go to those domiciled here. We are preparing a law making it mandatory for all industries coming in Gujarat to provide a minimum of 85% of jobs to local Gujaratis,” he said. “The government will help only those industries who are willing to follow the 85% norm,” Thakore added.