Rajasthan’s targets 400,000 new jobs this year

The Rajasthan government is executing a major social uplift scheme covering both rural and urban areas to create at least 400,000 new jobs this fiscal, with a focus on youths, skill development, self-employment and even an unemployment allowance, officials said.

A series of schemes and projects has been unveiled by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to provide jobs both to the educated and the differently literate people in the state in a bid to ensure social inclusion and extend opportunities to lead a life of dignity, the officials added.

“The chief minister has already said 100,000 new government jobs will be created this year. Work has already started in this regard,” a senior official told IANS here, adding this will include 18,000 clerks, 20,000 teachers and 12,000 constables.

“The clerks will handle work related to the rural job guarantee programme. Two clerks will be allotted to each gram panchayat. The chief minister’s idea is not only to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system but also provide employment to the youths,” the official added.

Another scheme aims at extending unemployment allowance to the educated youths, at Rs.500 per month. This is being given to graduates whose family income is up to Rs.100,000 per annum.

“This scheme has really helped me and will also build confidence among the youths. It is helping in our efforts to get employment. We also need not be dependent on others for our ordinary expenses,” says Gajendra Singh, a beneficiary from Namana Village in Bundi District.

Skill development is another focus area since government jobs have limited opportunities. Steps are being taken to encourage self-employment. Accordingly, 349 skill development centres for youths have been set up across the state and specific programmes are to start by next month.

Referring to the schemes in the hinterland, officials said Gehlot has started what is called the Chief Minister’s Rural Employment Scheme, under which 100,000 youths will be provided employment each year.

“A similar scheme has also been started for families below the poverty line in urban areas. The Chief Minister’s Urban BPL Employment Scheme is being implemented through the Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation,” an official said.

“Under this also, about 100,000 youths will be provided employment this year.”

In the past three years, the focus on jobs has yielded positive results, the official said, adding that 75,000 youths have been given government jobs as constables and teachers. Appointments of another 40,000 teachers are about to be completed.