RAIPUR: For several decades, Jashpur, a predominantly tribal district in the north-east of Chhattisgarh, has been known as a hub of human trafficking. But for the past two-three years, a turnaround is slowly but surely happening and the once poverty-stricken district is now emerging as a skill development centre. This, in turn, has opened employment avenues for the district’s youth not just in the state but across the country.
The foundation for this change was laid when Chhattisgarh became the first state to enact a law to provide ‘skill development’ right to unemployed youths in 2013. Under the Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, the focus was on equipping the youth, especially women, with necessary skills and training.
As many as 7,434 women have been trained in different vocational skills since 2016 and over 6,000 of have secured jobs. Most of them are tribals from rural background. With over 81 per cent placement, the district has earned kudos for empowering young girls who earlier lived under the fear of trafficking.
“The youths train and acquire new skills that enhance their employability. Consequently, not just their families but the whole community feels safe and empowered,” district collector Priyanka Shukla said.
So, how was the change brought about? Initially, the district administration usually got to know about the needy youths from the people. Later, preraks (motivators) who worked as skill mobilisers were engaged. They encouraged the youths to enlist for Modular Employable Skill courses enlisted by the State Skill Development Authority.
Now, the youth as well as their parents are happy. “My daughter has taken upon her the responsibility of getting her elder brother married,” said Kusum Lata, a proud mother said.
Tribal women in Jashpur were among the worst affected by trafficking and exploitation. Now, over 1,200 trained women are engaged in processing and production of Kosa Tassar silk.
Sita Nag is employed in JNU, Delhi, as a security guard, earning `18,000 per month. “I couldn’t study beyond Class 12 and was desperately looking for work to support my family. Now I send `10,000 home,” Nag said.
A physically-challenged Lalita Paikra has acquired skills to make LED bulbs. She was invited to attend the ‘Vyapar Mela’ in Delhi. Similarly, Sushila, Shukanti and Kunti are trained in fire safety and are working in Delhi, earning monthly salaries up to `20,000.
Deepak Prajapati is placed with Taj hotel as a security staff. There are hundreds of such examples of tribal youths aspiring to economically support their families having secured placements across the country.