Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Higher and Technical Education Department after returning from Delhi.
The meeting was attended by Department Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, and senior officials from the education department.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed major reforms aimed at improving higher education quality, expanding technical learning opportunities, and making education more employment-oriented in the state.
Jharkhand Must Be Known for Minds, Not Only Mines: CM Soren
CM Hemant Soren reiterated his vision of transforming Jharkhand’s identity from a mineral-rich state to a knowledge-driven state.
Referring to discussions held during the National Stakeholders Consultation in Delhi, the Chief Minister said that along with industry and tourism, education will remain a key focus area for the state government.
He stressed that higher and technical education will play a crucial role in taking Jharkhand from “mining to mind” by creating skilled and capable youth.
Read also: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Meets Singapore Envoy to Boost Global Investment and Industrial Growth
Focus on Quality, Employment-Oriented and Market-Based Education
During the meeting, CM Soren said that the youth are the biggest strength of Jharkhand and the government’s priority is to provide them with quality education aligned with industry requirements.
He directed officials to ensure that students receive:
- Quality higher education
- Employment-oriented courses
- Market-relevant skills
- Future-ready learning opportunities
The Chief Minister emphasized making the education system modern, student-centric, and aligned with global standards.
Jharkhand University Service Commission to Become Fully Functional Soon
CM Soren directed officials to ensure that matters related to the Jharkhand State University Service Commission are resolved quickly.
He instructed that the commission should become fully functional within 15 days so that vacant teaching and other posts in universities can be filled within a fixed timeline.
The government aims to strengthen universities by improving faculty availability and administrative efficiency.
BIT Sindri to Be Developed as Unitary University
A major decision was taken regarding BIT Sindri, where the government gave in-principle approval to develop it as a Unitary University.
The Higher and Technical Education Department has been directed to prepare the required bill for the transformation.
The move is expected to strengthen technical education and research facilities at the prestigious institute.
Computer-Based Test Centres to Come Up in Universities
The meeting also approved the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres in all state universities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
These centres will help improve digital examination facilities and provide better infrastructure for competitive and academic assessments.
Coaching Regulatory Authority to Be Activated Within 15 Days
The Chief Minister directed officials to activate the Coaching Regulatory Authority for higher education and employment-focused coaching institutes within 15 days.
The initiative aims to bring better regulation, transparency, and quality standards to coaching institutions across the state.
Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme Reviewed
The progress of the Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme was also reviewed during the meeting.
Officials informed that:
- 2,888 eligible students have received approval under the scheme.
- 243 students have received education loans worth around ₹64 crore through various banks.
CM Soren directed officials to coordinate with the Welfare Department to ensure that more students benefit from the scheme.
He also instructed authorities to prepare a special plan to extend the scheme benefits to students enrolled at the Dumka Flying Institute.
Technical Education Clusters Planned in Nine Districts
The meeting discussed plans to develop technical education clusters in nine districts of Jharkhand:
- Palamu
- Giridih
- Ramgarh
- Gumla
- Ranchi
- East Singhbhum
- Bokaro
- Godda
- Sahibganj
These clusters aim to improve technical learning infrastructure and expand skill-based education opportunities.
New-Age Courses in AI, EV and Semiconductor Technologies
CM Soren directed all government polytechnics and technical institutions to introduce employment-oriented courses.
Proposed courses include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Emerging Technologies
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Textile Design
- Logistics
- Shipping
The initiative aims to prepare students for future industries and changing job markets.
JUPMI to Operate Under Higher and Technical Education Department
The government has decided that the Jharkhand Urban Planning and Management Institute (JUPMI) will now function under the Higher and Technical Education Department.
Plans are being prepared to introduce courses such as:
- Bachelor of Planning
- Master of Planning
- MBA in Infrastructure Management
The move is aimed at developing skilled professionals in urban planning and infrastructure management.
Focus on Vacant Posts, Hostels and Online Education Facilities
The Chief Minister instructed officials to identify alternative financial resources for higher education within the next three months.
He also emphasized:
- Filling vacant university positions
- Improving hostel facilities
- Strengthening online education systems
- Expanding research projects
Several schemes were reviewed, including:
- Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme
- Chief Minister Fellowship
- Manki Munda Scholarship
- Chief Minister Education Promotion Scheme
- Research Projects
- E-Samarthya initiative
Jharkhand Robotics Festival Promotes AI and Innovation
Officials also informed the Chief Minister about the state’s first-ever Jharkhand Robotics Festival, which aims to connect students with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.
The festival is expected to encourage innovation, creativity, and technology-based learning among students.
Government Aims to Build Future-Ready Education Ecosystem
CM Hemant Soren’s review meeting highlighted Jharkhand’s roadmap to modernize higher and technical education through technology integration, skill-based courses, improved infrastructure, and financial support schemes.
The government aims to create an education system that provides better opportunities for students and prepares young people for future employment and innovation-driven sectors.
