Government committed to empowering poor, marginalized communities: Sandur MLA
E. Annapurna, Sandur MLA, addressing a public support program organized under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana at JSW Township in Toranagallu, Ballari district on Friday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The State Government is committed to creating opportunities and providing basic support systems for economic empowerment and self-reliance of the poor and marginalized sections of the society, said E. Annapurna, Sandur MLA.
On Friday, she launched a large-scale public awareness program organized by Employees’ Pension Fund Organization (EPFO), Ballari Regional Office, at Gemax Auditorium in JSW Township, Toranagallu, under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana of the Centre.
Ms. Annapurna said Sandur taluk was largely surrounded by hills and had limited cultivable land, so industries like JSW were the main source of livelihood for the residents. She urged the company to continue to prioritize job creation and livelihood security for the people of the region.
Referring to health problems in industrial areas, she said residents living around industrial clusters were facing various health problems due to exposure to air pollution and urged JSW to pay special attention to the matter. She also appealed to the corporation to set up a well-equipped and free hospital in the taluk for the benefit of miners and economically weaker sections.
Describing JSW as an integral part of Sandura’s identity, the MLA said the company has contributed significantly to the development of the region through its corporate social responsibility initiatives and welfare programmes.
She expressed hope that the industry will continue to expand, contribute more to the country’s growth and create more job opportunities for the youth.
Speaking on the occasion, EPFO Regional Commissioner KV Praveen said that the scheme applies to employees who are getting EPFO coverage for the first time. He said that 1,374 newly employed workers in Ballari region have so far become eligible for direct financial assistance under the scheme.
He added that while some components of the program directly benefited new hires, others provided financial incentives to employers. Already 248 employer establishments in Ballari region have availed the benefits of this scheme.
Mr. Praveen said the initiative has proved to be a significant source of financial support for both employees and employers and is expected to boost formal employment in the region.
Participants also watched a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributing incentive benefits to eligible employees for the first time in a program held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Later, certificates regarding incentive benefits were distributed to employees who had recently joined the workforce and got EPFO accounts for the first time.
Tahsildar Vishwajit Mehta from Deputy Commissioner’s office, senior officials of EPFO, representatives of JSW, employer organizations and employees were present.
Published – 20 Jun 2026 20:48 IST