The Prime Minister’s Advisor, Shri Tarun Kapoor, conducted a two-day visit to Dhanbad district to examine progress on rehabilitation and development work being carried out under the Jharia Master Plan. The Ministry of Coal initiative is aimed at supporting families displaced by coal mine fires in the Jharia region and improving their living conditions.
What was reviewed and where
Shri Kapoor visited two main townships—Belgaria and Karmatand—to assess education facilities, skill training centres, housing conditions and livelihood programmes. At Karmatand, he inspected a middle and high school and the Multi Skill Development Institute (MSDI-IV), which is run jointly by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Around 800 youth have completed training there so far, with more than 250 currently undergoing courses in trades such as beautician work, customer care and assistant fitting. Training programmes last between two-and-a-half to three months, and most graduates have found employment.
In Belgaria township, the Advisor inspected a second skill development centre (MSDI-II) and a new Skill Development and Production Centre being developed with textile company Rajdhani Universal Fabrics. The centre will focus on textile industry training and production once current programmes end. He also inaugurated an upgraded primary school, health sub-centre and model Anganwadi centre at Jharia Vihar Colony.
Self-help groups in the area are selling handicraft and artisanal products through stalls set up under JharShilp and Project Aarohi with BCCL support. Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Textiles highlighted opportunities in handmade fibre and technical textiles for local employment.
What this means for you
If you live in a rehabilitated area in Jharia, the visit signals continued government focus on improving schools, health services and job training. Young people in affected families have access to free skill courses that lead to actual employment. The emphasis on textile production suggests new job opportunities may emerge in these sectors within the rehabilitation zones. Local entrepreneurs running self-help groups can expect continued support for their products and businesses.