THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 3: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday met a 17-member delegation of the Rashtriya Raksha Mahavidyalaya at the Chief Minister’s residential office on Kanke Road, Ranchi, and outlined Jharkhand’s growing role in industry, education, sports and the national economy.
Interacting with the delegation, the Chief Minister said Jharkhand is a state rich in natural and mineral resources, with a distinct identity shaped by its vibrant tribal culture and traditions. He described tribal heritage as the state’s greatest strength, giving Jharkhand a unique place in the country.
Sports Talent Brings Global Recognition
Hemant Soren said Jharkhand’s athletes have earned national and international recognition despite limited resources. He noted that the state government has framed a strong sports policy to provide better platforms and infrastructure for players. Jharkhand has produced outstanding talent in cricket, hockey and archery, and nearly half of the Indian women’s hockey team comprises players from the state. He cited former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and archer Deepika Kumari as prominent examples.
Push for Quality Education
The Chief Minister said the government is making sustained efforts to improve education standards. Government schools are being upgraded as CM Schools of Excellence to offer quality education on the lines of private institutions. He added that coordination with private educational institutions has also been strengthened.
He informed the delegation that Jharkhand is currently running 10 government medical colleges, besides several private medical and nursing colleges. New polytechnic colleges have been established to boost technical education. Under the Guruji Credit Card Scheme, students pursuing higher education are being provided loans of up to ₹15 lakh without any guarantee, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent students from continuing their studies.
Industrial Potential and Global Outreach
Speaking on the industry, Hemant Soren said Jharkhand has a strong industrial legacy, with major establishments such as Tata, HEC, steel and fertiliser industries. He said the state’s mineral wealth provides immense scope for industrial growth and that the government has introduced investor-friendly policies, leading to increased interest from investors.
He noted that Jharkhand recently participated for the first time in the World Economic Forum annual meeting, expressing confidence that the exposure and interactions would benefit the state in the coming years. He also urged the delegation to visit Jharia in Dhanbad district to understand the long-standing issue of underground fires, a challenge already known to the central government.
Key Contributor to the National Economy
The Chief Minister said Jharkhand plays a vital role in India’s economy. The railway sector earns its highest revenue from the state, and Jharkhand also leads in the transportation of mineral resources. He added that the state is the country’s largest producer of tasar silk, lac and silk.
To ensure fair returns for forest-dependent communities, the government is promoting forest produce through federations, setting up processing centres and improving market access for products such as lac, silk and mahua.
Development, Green Energy and Security
Hemant Soren said the government is working positively across all sectors, including agriculture and animal husbandry, which are crucial for rural livelihoods. Promoting animal husbandry, he said, improves nutrition and provides additional sources of income.
He added that the state is also focusing on green energy development to protect the environment. Due to continuous action by security forces, development initiatives and effective implementation of welfare schemes, incidents of left-wing extremism have significantly declined. The government remains committed to making Jharkhand free from Naxal violence.
Welfare Schemes Praised
Members of the Rashtriya Raksha Mahavidyalaya delegation praised the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, under which around 53 lakh women receive ₹2,500 every month through direct benefit transfer. They also appreciated schemes providing nutritious food, including eggs, to children at anganwadi centres, which the Chief Minister said is helping tackle malnutrition.
Hemant Soren also highlighted that Jharkhand is the first state to implement the Sarvajan Pension Scheme, covering old-age, widow, disability and destitute pensions for all eligible beneficiaries.
Senior officials and military officers from India and five other countries were present during the interaction.