85% people in J’khand’s coal ind prefer reskilling in move towards green energy

Nagpur: One in every three coal workers in Jharkhand prefers agriculture as an alternative livelihood option once India moves away from coal, reveals a latest study.India has set a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, with a prime focus on phasing down of coal, which threatens the livelihoods of millions of workers and communities who depend on the coal sector for sustenance. The study ‘Livelihood opportunities for a just transition in Jharkhand’ by research organizations Climate Trends, and Ernst and Young LLP was aimed at exploring the type of livelihood opportunities that will enable workers and communities to thrive even after the energy transition. Conducted across five districts – Ranchi, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Chatra and Bokaro, the study highlights perceptions of 6,000 coal workers out of which 4,000 were from the organised sector (thermal power plants and mines), and 2,000 were unorganised workers.Researchers found that despite 60% respondents not having employment contracts, the coal sector continues to be the most attractive employer due to job security. “Some 94% of respondents reported not having participated in any training programmes, indicating a major gap in any upskilling planning. Of the 6% who received any training for alternate livelihoods outside of the coal sector, only 24% were involved in training for the renewable energy sector,” the study stated.It further found that 85% of the workers were willing to get engaged in skilling or reskilling programmes. When it comes to alternative livelihoods, 32% of workers favoured agriculture and allied sectors as their first choice.“It is also important to undertake scientific mine closure, ensure additional power needs are met by renewables, and take socio-economic parameters of communities in account as and when mines are shut. Focus is on India this year, and as the hosts of G20 there is an opening to seize the momentum and demonstrate that India’s energy future is dominated by clean energy,” said Aarti Khosla, director of Climate Trends.Amit Kumar, associate partner at Ernst & Young LLP, said, “It is imperative that India’s commitment to phasing down coal is complemented by policy measures that ensure the welfare of the workers and communities most affected by this transition.”