CM Baghel releases second installment of unemployment allowance, emphasizes the importance of employment
Raipur: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said, “You are receiving assistance through the unemployment allowance scheme, but I would be even happier if you had employment in your hands. We are continuously releasing vacancies for government jobs while also focusing on skill development. The unemployment allowance is just a small contribution that can help you achieve your goals.” He was addressing the youth while releasing the second installment of the unemployment allowance today.
Chief Minister virtually transferred an amount of Rs 32 crore 35 lakh 25 thousand to the accounts of one lakh 5 thousand 395 beneficiaries of the Unemployment Allowance Scheme during a programme organized at his residence office here today. This includes a total of 66,185 beneficiaries who received the second installment, totaling Rs 16 crore 54 lakh 62 thousand 500. Additionally, an amount of Rs 12.75 crore was disbursed to 24,015 beneficiaries who had applied until April 30 this year as an installment covering the months of April and May. Similarly, an amount of Rs 3 crore 79 lakh 87 thousand 500 was released as the first installment to 15,195 beneficiaries who had applied in May 2023. Overall, a total amount of Rs 48 crore 89 lakh 87 thousand 500 has been disbursed as the first and second installments to the beneficiaries of the Unemployment Allowance Scheme.
Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Shri Baghel said “During the distribution of the first installment of the unemployment allowance in the previous programme, I had made a commitment that soon after the restrictions are lifted, newspapers will be filled with job advertisements, and today we have fulfilled our promise. Presently, advertisements for ongoing recruitments are being issued in various departments.”
He emphasized that our society comprises individuals from all sections. Some work as laborers, some are engaged in agriculture, and others are involved in small businesses. “It is important to note that the economic circumstances of these families vary. The youth from such families feel that although their parents have provided them with education, they still depend on their parents for financial support. For these young individuals, the unemployment allowance of Rs 2500 provides significant financial assistance. This amount aids them in purchasing books for competitive exams and other similar activities. Moreover, the state government has waived examination fees for competitive exams like Vyapam and PSC for the benefit of the youth of the state, thereby alleviating the financial burden on these families”, he said.
Technical Education Minister Umesh Patel stated that Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had made a commitment to provide an unemployment allowance to the youth, and he has successfully fulfilled that commitment. He further highlighted that effective financial management by the Chief Minister has played a crucial role in fulfilling commitments made to the public.
Skill Development and Technical Education Principal Secretary Dr. Alok Shukla delivered a welcome speech in which he announced the commencement of skill training for 1,701 youth receiving unemployment allowance, across 33 institutions including Livelihood Colleges. He further informed that the recruitment process for 22,154 positions in various departments has begun, with appointment orders already issued for 972 positions.
Dr. Shukla also highlighted that the previous government had disbursed about Rs 99 crore as an unemployment allowance over a period of 14 years. However, in the current period, a total amount of Rs 48.89 crore has already been paid in two installments.
Director of Employment and Training Awanish Sharan provided statistics on the recipients of unemployment benefits, stating that 39 per cent of them are women, 61 per cent are men, 83 per cent are from rural areas, and 17 per cent are from urban areas. Expressing his gratitude, Technical Education and Skill Development Secretary Shri Topeshwar Verma thanked the attendees for their presence.
During the programme, the participants present at the Chief Minister’s residence and the beneficiaries connected through video conferencing from various districts expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards Chief Minister Baghel for launching this scheme.
Technical Education Minister Umesh Patel, School Education Minister Dr. Premsai Singh Tekam, Chief Minister’s Advisor Pradeep Sharma, Skill Development and Technical Education Principal Secretary Dr. Alok Shukla, Technical Education Secretary Topeshwar Verma, Skill Development Secretary Shammi Abidi, Director of Employment and Training Awanish Sharan were also present.
