Former Union Minister and Congress in-charge for Jharkhand, R.P.N Singh, on Friday said the party is committed to providing 27 per cent reservation to Other Backward Classes in government jobs in the state.

Singh told the media at the Congress headquarters in Ranchi that a meeting has been held with all other political parties of the state, including the JMM, BJP and Ajsu, to extend support to the issue.

Singh, however, pointed out that there were no flaws in the recruitment policy unveiled by the state government.

“There is a misconception about the recruitment policy among some of our party MLAs. The issue will be taken up with chief minister Hemant Soren by our Congress legislative party leader Alamgir Alam and state unit president Rajesh Thakur. The recruitment policy aims at providing maximum job opportunities to the locals,” said Singh.

On the unemployment issue, Singh said that the Congress has been working continuously to raise the voice of the unemployed people in the state and across the country. “The country is going through a very bad phase at this time but the (Narendra) Modi government at the Centre is unaware of the current situation. All sections of people in the country are suffering due to inflation but the central government has been oblivious to the issue so far,” said Singh.

On land bank issue, he said the party has no objections if industries are set up on the land bank created under the BJP government as it will create employment opportunities for local youths. “However, land which was forcibly taken from the poor, should be returned. The issue of displacement was a major problem for the state. Therefore, a displacement commission should be formed in the state,” said Singh.

In a veiled threat to bureaucrats allegedly ignoring party MLAs and leaders in the state, Singh advised government officials to ensure that they hear the points raised by Congress leaders.

“Government officials should listen to the points raised by party leaders. Otherwise, party workers will go to their offices and meet them and explain their demands,” said Singh.

He also advised party leaders to visit every corner of the state and establish a dialogue with local people, understand their problems and try to solve them.

“The community dialogue programme should ensure that the party flag reaches every household of the state. The new president and new working president should visit every block of the district and should make contact with workers in the remote areas,” said Singh.

He said the Congress will give equal rights to all members of the party.