In his tough stand against alcoholism rampant in rural Jharkhand, Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Saturday said that women need to intensify their fight against the social evil and also “use sticks if needed” to stop wastage of funds granted for education that goes into drains of alcohol. The CM was interacting with rural masses in the Naxal-infested areas of Khunti district on Saturday.
“Women must come forward to root out alcoholism from the State. It’s the duty of the women and the youth to make Jharkhand addiction free, especially that of alcohol. If money granted for education goes in the hands of addicts help of sticks can be taken if needed to free the people from addiction,” the CM said, giving examples of villages in the State that have championed the cause and won reward from him.
The CM, who was on a visit to Taro Siladon village of Khunti for Jan Samvad (Public interaction) with villagers, did not use the stage meant for the purpose. He sat with the villagers along with a team of senior officials and tried to solve the problems of the residents on the spot.
While speaking to the residents in the Naxal stronghold, the CM appealed to the Naxals to join mainstream society. He said that it was time to join the development movement in the State than to get indulged in the destructive activities. “Together we can help make Jharkhand a better place to live. And, for development of the State it is very important to get contribution from all sections of society,” he said, seeking help from the common masses for building the state.
The villagers came with varied problems, including education, health facilities, agriculture, drinking water, migration, land issues etc to CM, who directed officials present there to take note of them and solve the problems as soon as possible. He also asked the villagers to contact Government officials in case of any problem.
Meanwhile, the CM also informed that the State Government in order to provide quality training and employment to unemployed youths of the State has arranged training for heavy vehicle driving in association with Government of Punjab, Government of Rajasthan and Tata Motors. Applications are being invited for 79 persons selected through national skill development mission for Beginner Course for Driver of HMV at Driving Institute Mauhana Punjab and Driving Institute Ajmer, Rajasthan. The training will be imparted to minimum 50 per cent candidates belonging to SC/ST and BPl categories.
The State Government on Saturday also decided to construct five railway over-bridges on State highways in place of Railway level crossings to avoid accidents that take place on unmanned crossings. The bridges will be built in 50:50 partnerships of the state government and the railways. The state government has given approval to proposal of South Eastern Railway to make five bridges at different locations.