Mumbai : The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s biggest container port, has framed a new employment policy to enhance its local outreach programme, improve the business climate in its surroundings and prevent disruption of port activities.
The well-thought out policy will provide employment to at least one member of a family that has lost land for the development of the port and its various terminals. A transparent system has been put in place to provide jobs to Project Affected People (PAPs) at JNPT and other terminals.
In the absence of a proper PAP employment policy, there were instances where multiple members of a PAP family received jobs at ports while there were families where not even a single member secured employment.
JNPT is in the process of developing the CIDCO–JNPT Multi-Skill Development Centre to impart technical training and create a skilled labour force for the industries that will come up on the special economic zone and the new airport.
A draft list of PAPs has been drawn up and put up on the JNPT website. The residents of 12 gram panchayats have been asked to go through the list and put forward their suggestions by February 26. The final list will be prepared based on the suggestions and eligible candidates will be considered for employment.
Neeraj Bansal, chairman-in-charge of JNPT, said: “JNPT is firmly dedicated to inclusive growth and has been encouraging the employment of local population to the maximum capacity. Our endeavour is to make sure all eligible people from the local area are accommodated.” JNPT has also roped in local representatives to participate in the decision making process and convince locals to contribute to the overall industrial development of the region.
Mr. Bansal said, “The multi-purpose JNPT-SEZ that is coming up on the 277-hectare freehold land of JNPT is going to be a game changer for the local economy.” He said six companies — Devi Marine Food Exports Pvt Ltd, Simosis International, Kader Exports Pvt Ltd, Attar Mohd, Saeed Dawood and Brothers, Krish Food Industry (India) and Oil Field Warehouse and Services Ltd — have been allotted five hectares of land through a bidding process. Another 15 to 20 plots will be allotted by February 2018.
2,150 jobs on offer
Mr. Bansal said, “Total investment for the first six units is expected to be ₹150 crore and provide employment to 2,150 people. We are creating infrastructure that meets global standards to attract investments. This will lead to substantial economic activity and well-being of the local area.” Mr. Bansal added that more than 20 companies have shown interest in setting up units. JNPT is planning to develop a fishing hub near Uran to create livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk.
Note: News shared for public awareness with reference from the information provided at online news portals.
