Madhya Pradesh launches ‘Rozgar Setu’ scheme for skilled workers

State is the first to devise such a work plan for those who returned, says CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the launch of the ‘Rozgar Setu’ scheme, saying it would help secure employment for skilled workers who have returned.

“The State is the first to devise such a work plan. We are surveying skilled workers who were employed at industries elsewhere, but have now returned,” said Mr. Chouhan. “We are identifying the skills they possess.”

Stating that the attempt was to provide work to the maximum number of returned skilled workers, he said, “After such workers requiring employment are identified, the government will contact factory and workshop owners and contractors overseeing infrastructure projects such as road and bridge construction.” 

He added, “We will bring our skilled brothers and sisters on a platform and connect them with those needing them. The State government will act as a setu [bridge] between workers and employers so that both are benefited.”

This would fulfil the manpower requirement of industries as well as provide employment to workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, he explained. “A survey of such workers was launched on May 27,” he said. 

Land ownership records

Moreover, Mr. Chouhan hailed the Centre’s ‘Swamitva yojana’ under which rural areas would be surveyed to help prepare land records. “The rural population will be given land ownership records as proof of their right over plots of land. This scheme is like a gift for them,” he added. 

In the ongoing financial year, the scheme will cover 10,553 revenue villages of 10 districts such as Morena, Sheopur and Bhopal in the first phase. The budgeted expenditure in realising the scheme is ₹97.97 crore in three years. 

Surveys will be conducted in three phases. First, the government will launch an awareness drive and organise gram sabhas to inform villagers about it. Second, a survey will be undertaken using drones to map land and conducting a door-to-door verification. Third, claims and objections will be registered and resolved after which land records will be given. 

The State government has said the scheme would help gram panchayats secure local sources of revenue. At the panchayat level, it will be easier to draw up development plans and public properties could be protected. Further, the scheme would help resolve property disputes.