Returnees to get P&RD job cards in Assam, says Minister Naba Kumar Doley

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) Department has decided to issue job cards to the people who are returning to Assam from other States.

Addressing a press meet, P&RD Minister Naba Kumar Doley said that, "The department has taken initiatives to provide job cards to migrant workers including the people of the rural areas of Assam within seven days after they apply for it. We will be providing their wages within 15 days. This initiative has been taken so that no one has to worry about their livelihood during the pandemic."

He further stated that as of now there are 25 lakh active job card holders. The department has issued cards to over 8,000 people amidst the lockdown and it targets to provide cards 26,000 more cards. However, there are no limitations for those who are willing to apply new job cards, he asserted. The department will issue cards to all those who are willing to work, he said.

It is to be mentioned that a review meeting was held on Friday regarding the implementation of different schemes under P&RD in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). Minister Chandan Brahma, Rihon Daimary, Bhabesh Kalita and six other BTAD MLAs were present in the review meeting among other officers from four districts of BTAD.

Further Doley stated that the department is ensuring that people from rural areas become aware about the precautionary measures that must be followed to tackle COVID-19. "Over 65 lakh masks have been prepared by the Assam State Rural Livlihoods Mission and around Rs 8 crore has been earned by selling them," he added.