THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, June 11: Seeking greater support from the Centre to accelerate Jharkhand’s economic transformation, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday urged the Union Government to partner with the state in its efforts to emerge as a manufacturing hub and a knowledge-based economy. Addressing the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, Soren said that Jharkhand’s vast mineral wealth must be linked to human capital, industrialisation, and innovation to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
Presenting a comprehensive development roadmap, the Chief Minister stressed the need to move beyond the conventional model of mineral extraction and focus on value addition within the state. He sought the Centre’s cooperation in establishing industries based on critical minerals, promoting manufacturing, and creating hubs for research, innovation and knowledge-driven growth.
Focus on Value Addition and Industrial Expansion
Soren said Jharkhand should no longer be seen merely as a supplier of raw minerals but as a key contributor to India’s industrial and economic growth. He advocated setting up manufacturing units linked to the state’s mineral resources, creating employment opportunities and ensuring that local communities benefit from industrial development.
The Chief Minister called for large-scale investments in sectors such as textiles, electronics, green energy, logistics and agro-food processing. He also highlighted efforts to promote AI-based mineral exploration and sustainable mining practices to position Jharkhand as a major centre for industry and employment.
ALSO READ: Latehar confirms services of 55 chowkidars after over two decades
Human Capital Central to Development Vision
Emphasising that mineral wealth alone cannot drive long-term progress, Soren identified education, healthcare and skill development as the pillars of Jharkhand’s growth strategy. He said the state’s development agenda aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, with a strong focus on strengthening human capital and improving social infrastructure.
Education and Skill Development
The Chief Minister said students from the state’s CM Schools of Excellence are securing admission to premier institutions, including IITs and medical colleges. The government aims to establish 5,000 such schools across Jharkhand and has sought an increase in PM SHRI Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas, along with the establishment of an NCERT regional centre in the state.
He also highlighted employment and skill development initiatives, stating that more than one lakh youths are being connected with job opportunities annually. Under the Saarthi Yojana, around 6.76 lakh youths have received training in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, drones and solar energy, while 53,000 women have been trained in modern technical fields.
Strengthening Health and Nutrition
Soren informed the council that while nearly 15,000 of the state’s 38,000 Anganwadi centres lack dedicated buildings, programmes such as Poshan Abhiyan and SAAMAR have helped improve nutrition outcomes. The state government is constructing 5,000 new Anganwadi buildings and providing eggs daily to children.
He also stressed the need to expand healthcare services to the Panchayat level, noting that 1,276 medicine outlets are currently operational in rural areas. Efforts are underway to develop AI-based digital health profiles, while proposals to increase medical college seats remain pending.
Sports, Agriculture and Digital Governance
Highlighting Jharkhand’s growing sporting achievements, the Chief Minister sought the establishment of a Sports University and a Centre of Excellence in the state. He also advocated reforms and greater transparency in sports associations.
In agriculture, he noted that more than 10 lakh Nutrition Gardens have been developed, while fruit-bearing trees have been planted across 1.5 lakh acres. Jharkhand’s mangoes are now reaching international markets, he said, describing agriculture as an important tool in combating malnutrition.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the development of an AI-based CM Data Intelligence Platform and an Integrated Command and Control Centre aimed at improving governance and public service delivery.
Key Demands Before the Centre
During the meeting, Soren urged the Centre to:
- Release the remaining ₹6,000 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Address outstanding dues of ₹1.36 lakh crore from coal companies.
- Revise norms related to the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT).
- Simplify land acquisition procedures.
- Integrate various school education schemes and funds.
- Approve the remaining two proposed medical colleges under the PPP mode.
- Facilitate Jharkhand’s hosting of national and international sporting events.
- Simplify land-related clearances in DVC, CCL, ECL and other command areas to support social infrastructure projects.
