Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Sunday said that the government is considering to formulate a special policy to improve employment opportunities for tribal people.
"Lakhs of tribal people are working as security guards in metro cities. The government is considering formulating a special policy where these tribals can be benefited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Skill India' initiative which will improve their employability. It will also help in tackling the problem of Naxalism," Oram said at the annual conference of the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) and the Association of Private Detectives and Investigators (APDI) here.
He added that there are 136 tribal-dominated districts, where the government has planned to focus under 'Skill India' programme, and said, "Private security is one such sector where our tribal people can get good employment opportunities".
"Tribals are the most honest and hardworking people and they are real assets of the country. We will take help from CAPSI to see how more and more tribals can get good employment opportunities and help them join the national mainstream," the minister stated.
Speaking at the conference, CAPSI chairperson, Kunwar Vikram Singh urged the government to carry out a study to highlight need for the policy formulations for creating more employment opportunities in tribal areas.
"I assure all help from the CAPSI in helping tribals getting training facilities and job opportunities. 'Skill India' can give a big boost to employment generation in rural and tribal areas. Out of 72 lakhs workforce in private security sector, a majority comes from the rural and tribal areas. CAPSI is helping government in meeting its employment goals by creating jobs. We are training and employing tribal and rural people. The government needs to give a much-needed boost to private security sector to make its biggest employment generator," he added.
Singh also raised the issues concerning the sector, particularly related to the imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is putting financial burden on agencies and also new regulation which puts onus of crimes committed by a guard on his employer.
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"I have apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about these two important issues which could kill this sector which is not only the largest private sector employer but also a top corporate tax contributor. The Prime Minister has asked the Home Ministry to look into our concerns on urgent basis," he further said.
Singh also added that there is a need for amendments of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act in consultation with the security agencies.
"A recent provision that for any crime committed by a guard, his employer will have to face severe penal action is draconian and needs to be withdrawn immediately. This is a highly objectionable rule which will lead to chaos," he asserted.
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