Implementation of security scheme will be priority: Kharge

"Our first priority would be implementation of the social security scheme as lot of construction activities are taking place and most of the labourers are in the unorganised sectors," Kharge told reporters after assuming charge of his ministry.

He said his ministry would ensure bringing all BPL families under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana within the next three years as also its coverage to APL unorganised workers.

On economic downturn and job losses, 67-year-old Kharge said, "We would look into the problem of job losses arising out of recession."

Promulgating the employment policy and expanding the skill development initiative by training 50 crore workers by 2022 would the other objective of his ministry, Kharge said.

Besides, the ministry would bring amendments in the EPF and ESI Acts, the Minister, who is widely hailed as the tallest Dalit leader of Karnataka, said.

Kharge has a vast administrative experience in handling a plethora of portfolios ranging from Revenue, Industry, Rural Development to Home in his native state.