Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren participated in the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi, where he strongly emphasized the need for holistic and inclusive development of the state.
He stated that Jharkhand’s rich mineral resources will only become truly meaningful when linked with human capital, value addition, and manufacturing within the state.
Shift from Raw Mineral Extraction to Value-Added Economy
The Chief Minister highlighted the need to move beyond the traditional perception of Jharkhand as only a mineral-extracting state. He called for transforming it into a partner in India’s development journey through:
- Local value addition of resources
- Growth of manufacturing industries
- Utilization of skilled human capital
He also urged the Centre to support the development of industries based on critical minerals, along with establishing centres for knowledge, research, and innovation.
Read also: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Reviews Water Supply Plans, Targets Tap Water for Every Home by 2028
Push for Industrial Investment and Emerging Sectors
Hemant Soren advocated for increased investment in key sectors such as:
- Textile and electronics manufacturing
- Green energy
- Logistics infrastructure
- Agro and food processing
He also emphasized promoting AI-based mineral exploration and sustainable mining practices to make Jharkhand a major hub for industry and employment generation.
Education, Health and Skill Development as Core Pillars
The Chief Minister underlined that education, healthcare, and skill development are the foundation of long-term growth.
Key highlights included:
- 38,000 Anganwadi centres, with 15,000 lacking buildings
- Distribution of daily eggs under nutrition programmes
- Improvement in malnutrition levels under SAAMAR initiative
- Construction of 5,000 new Anganwadi buildings using state resources
He also mentioned the development of CM Schools of Excellence, where students are now qualifying for IITs and medical colleges.
Demand for NCERT Regional Centre and Expansion of Education Infrastructure
Jharkhand has requested:
- Establishment of an NCERT regional centre in the state
- Expansion of PM SHRI and Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Approval for additional medical colleges under PPP mode
The state is also working on creating 5,000 model schools to strengthen basic education infrastructure.
Major Employment and Skill Development Initiatives
The state government claimed that more than 1 lakh youth are being linked with employment every year. Under the Sarathi scheme:
- 6.76 lakh youth have received training
- Skill development in AI, EV, drone, and solar sectors is ongoing
- 53,000 women have been trained in modern technical fields
Jharkhand is also working on an AI-based CM Data Intelligence Platform to strengthen governance and planning.
Key Demands Raised Before NITI Aayog
During the meeting, Jharkhand raised several important demands, including:
- Release of ₹6,000 crore under Jal Jeevan Mission
- Payment of ₹1.36 lakh crore pending from coal companies
- Revision of DMFT norms
- Simplification of land acquisition process
- Integrated funding for education schemes
- Approval of remaining 2 medical colleges under PPP model
- Hosting national and international sports events
- Relaxation in land and ownership clearance in DVC and coal command areas
Health, Agriculture and Digital Governance Push
The Chief Minister also emphasized:
- Strengthening healthcare services up to the panchayat level
- Expansion of medical seats in UG and PG programmes
- Development of digital health profiles using AI
- Better DBT transparency and fraud prevention systems
He noted that over 1,276 rural medicine shops are currently operational in the state.
Agriculture and Sports Development Initiatives
Jharkhand has developed:
- Over 10 lakh nutrition gardens
- Plantation across 1.5 lakh acres of fruit crops
- Growing international recognition of Jharkhand mango exports
In sports, the state highlighted strong performance in hockey, football, and athletics, along with proposals for a sports university and centres of excellence.
Vision for “Developed India @2047”
Hemant Soren reaffirmed Jharkhand’s commitment to the national vision of “Developed India @2047”, focusing on innovation, industrial growth, skill development, and sustainable use of natural resources to transform the state into a major hub of industry and employment.
