THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 20: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday asserted in the Assembly that the state is on course to become one of the country’s leading states by 2050, highlighting governance reforms, rural development and social welfare initiatives as key pillars of progress.
Replying to the debate on the Governor’s Address during the Budget Session, Soren said this was the first time in Jharkhand’s 25-year history that no amendments had been moved by the Opposition to the Address. He described this as a “first” and suggested it reflected an implicit acknowledgement of the government’s performance.
“Everything mentioned in the Governor’s Address is visible on the ground, not merely on paper,” he said, adding that policies introduced in Jharkhand are now being adopted by other states. “Earlier, we used to copy other states. Today, others are learning from us.”
‘Government Runs from Villages’
The Chief Minister emphasised that his coalition government prioritises strengthening villages as the foundation of development. “Only when villages are strong will cities and the state become strong,” he said, reiterating commitments to social security, education, healthcare and farmer welfare.
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Responding to criticism from Opposition members, Soren remarked that his government “does not garland living people” and instead believes in speaking the truth and delivering results. He accused political rivals of focusing on publicity rather than ground-level work.
The CM also launched a broader critique of national issues, referring to rising debt, agrarian concerns and social tensions. He warned against divisive politics and stressed the need to uphold constitutional values and democratic traditions.
Organ Donation Commission Announced
In an emotional moment during his address, Soren narrated the story of a ten-month-old child who became brain-dead following an accident and whose parents donated her organs. Calling organ donation “the greatest donation”, he announced that the state would establish an Organ Donation Commission to promote awareness and streamline the process across Jharkhand.
He said the initiative would help save lives of patients suffering from organ failure and ensure better coordination in transplant procedures.
Political Undercurrents
The Chief Minister claimed that the absence of amendments from the Opposition indicated growing discomfort with the government’s expanding national and global engagement. He maintained that the state government’s relationship with the Centre remains open but reiterated that Jharkhand would chart its own development path.
“We have resolved to transform what was once called one of the most backward states into a leading state by 2050,” Soren said, describing the goal as ambitious but achievable with determination.
The remarks come amid heightened political debate in the Assembly, with the Budget Session witnessing sharp exchanges between the treasury benches and the Opposition.