Hemant Soren raises 31 key issues at Eastern Zonal Council Meeting
Ranchi, July 10: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren raised 31 pressing issues concerning the state during the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting held recently, highlighting critical concerns such as outstanding dues of ₹1.36 lakh crore from central coal public sector undertakings (PSUs), and the need for improved infrastructure, job creation, and protection of tribal rights.
The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was attended by representatives from Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. CM Soren reiterated the long-standing demand for a separate Sarna religious code for tribals and emphasized the importance of prioritizing local inhabitants in PSU employment, promoting safe mine closures, and enhancing tourism while preserving tribal heritage.
The Chief Minister also proposed the development of key infrastructure projects in the state, including a Metro rail system, along with critical railway and highway schemes.
Further, Soren advocated for amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act to ensure that mining companies return acquired land to the state government after the completion of mining activities. He also called for a mandate requiring mining firms to set up captive power plants, utilizing 30% of their production within Jharkhand—a move he said would significantly boost employment.
Additionally, Soren urged the Centre to extend the special assistance provided to Northeastern states to Jharkhand as well.
Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, Minister Deepak Birua, Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Principal Secretary (Home) Vandana Dadel, and DGP Anurag Gupta also participated in the meeting. CM Soren had returned to Ranchi from Delhi just ahead of the meeting, where he had been attending to his ailing father, former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who is undergoing treatment.
