Self-employment

The Swa Niujan Asoni (self-employment scheme) introduced by Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Roshni A Korati as reported by your daily in 4th June 2020 is a very welcome step and it must be praised by all concerned. Thousands of youths from the district who were working in other states as security guards in different commercial establishments, residential apartments and other organizations, and those working as skilled or unskilled workers in factories lost their jobs during the lockdown throughout the country. Most of the youths started coming back to the state from the third week of May. The youths may not go back seeking jobs as many establishments where they were employed may have job cuts due to their economic condition. The youths will be trained to engage themselves in the field of agriculture, fishery, poultry farming etc which have great potentials. In addition to the earning their livelihood they will help in the development of economy of the state. Further the scheme has provision to help migrant skilled workers like motor mechanics, painters, electricians, plumbers and tailors.

Private security guards and youth in the hospitality sector can also apply for the scheme as stated by a district administration source. Five WhatsApp numbers and application forms have been provided to the youths in quarantine centres itself for applying in the scheme. These steps taken by the Jorhat district administration is a very encouraging as it will help to a great extend in solving unemployment problem if it can be implemented in the true spirit. Other districts of the state may also follow this model.

Bikash Barpujari,

Beltola, Guwahati