Cong legislator seeks 75% job quota for locals in Adani plant

Ranchi: Ahead of the launch of the 1,600 megawatt (MW) thermal power plant by the Adani Group in Godda next month, Mahagama MLA from the ruling Congress, Deepika Pandey, on Saturday spearheaded a campaign in the area to implement 75% job reservation for locals.
Pandey had earlier appealed educated and jobless youths to turn up outside the gate of the power plant on Saturday to submit their resumes to press for employment across different departments in the company. However, the district employment department facilitated a special camp to register such youths.
Till the time of filing this report in the evening, altogether 7,789 resumes/applications were submitted during the camp, held on the district employment exchange office premises since morning. Pandey, who was present on the occasion, told TOI that while big private companies establishing their units is a positive sign for the state, they must also help create jobs and employ local youths as per their skills.
“The people of Godda have contributed a lot in setting up this power plant. Many even gave their lands for the project. Now that the plant is about to get operational, it’s time locals get 75% reservation in jobs here,” she added.
In January this year, the state government formally notified the Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Act, 2021, as part of which private firms or individuals employing 10 or more people must reserve 75% jobs for locals. However, the 75% quota will only be applicable for such vacancies having monthly gross salary of up to Rs 40,000.
The MLA said, “While the state government is working hard to fill government posts by bringing new rule, private firms too must come ahead. I am happy that the local district administration has acknowledged the cause for which I have started to fight.” All the applications/resumes will form a database so that they can be pushed against vacancies in the company.
“Scores of jobs get created directly and indirectly whenever any big company comes. I urge the Adani Group and other private firms here to publish their requirements and skill sets so that we can also train the youths here accordingly.”