SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, January 13: Kalpana Murmu Soren, MLA from Gandey and Chairperson of the Women and Child Development Committee of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, will represent Jharkhand at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos and during the State’s official visit to the United Kingdom.
Global Role at WEF 2026
At Davos, Kalpana Soren will participate in high-level discussions on women’s leadership and inclusive development, including the Women Political Leaders Forum, BRICS Panel on Women’s Empowerment, ET Women Empowerment Dialogue, and the Alliance for Global Good’s We Lead platform, along with official engagements at the India Pavilion.
She will present Jharkhand’s women-led development model, focused on economic empowerment and institutional support.
Women-Led Growth in Jharkhand
Jharkhand has emerged as a strong example of women-driven development. Over 35 lakh women are organised into 2.8 lakh Self-Help Groups under the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), with credit linkages exceeding ₹5,000 crore.
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Flagship initiatives such as Lakhpati Didi, PALASH, JOHAR, JHIMDI, Adiva, and Ajivika Cafés have helped many women cross the ₹1 lakh annual income threshold. Products under the PALASH brand have entered organised retail and global markets, with turnover projected to reach ₹45 crore by 2026. Financial support under the Maiyaan Samman Yojana, with an annual outlay of ₹17,000 crore, has further strengthened women’s economic security.
UK Visit After Davos
Following the Davos meetings, Kalpana Soren will also take part in the United Kingdom leg of the visit. Her engagements include discussions on education, skilling, climate finance, and cultural heritage, meetings with UK government officials, and interactions with Marang Gomke Scholars and the Indian diaspora.
Political Journey
Kalpana Soren is the wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. She entered public life after the Chief Minister was jailed in connection with a land scam case, stepping into active politics during a politically sensitive period.
She went on to contest and win the Gandey Assembly seat and currently serves as Chairperson of the Women and Child Development Committee of the Assembly, focusing on women’s welfare, livelihoods, and social inclusion.
Jharkhand’s Message to the World
Jharkhand’s participation at WEF 2026 carries a clear message: when women lead, economies strengthen and development becomes more sustainable. Kalpana Soren’s journey from Gandey to Davos reflects the State’s emphasis on inclusive leadership and women-led growth.
