Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren claims 2019 govt laid foundation of state’s development 

Announces continuance of free electricity for poor consumers

Ranchi, December 12: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed the Assembly on Thursday, stating that the coalition government formed in 2019 laid the foundation for the state’s development, and now, it is time to build on that foundation.

Responding to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address, CM Soren highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing tangible development across various sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, and employment generation.

He stated, “Our priority is to ensure visible development on the ground, not just in words. We are working for all sections of society.”

The Chief Minister described the Governor’s address as a white paper outlining the government’s vision, priorities, and direction for Jharkhand’s growth.

“Our government is not run from the secretariat alone; it is driven by the villages. Unless the rural economy improves, all-round development cannot be possible,” he said.

Reflecting on Jharkhand’s history, CM Soren paid tribute to the struggles that led to the state’s formation.

He remarked, “This state was born from the sacrifices of many people who participated in the agitation for a separate state. Since its creation in 2000, it has faced numerous challenges. Before 2019, the state’s progress was hindered, and many citizens suffered due to poverty and neglect. Farmers committed suicides, and people died with ration cards in their hands.”

He also criticised attempts to destabilise his government since 2019 but vowed to fulfill the aspirations of Jharkhand’s martyrs and agitators.

Discussing the state’s socio-economic challenges, Soren said, “Jharkhand has long been labelled as one of the most backward states in the country, despite being home to major industries like Bokaro Steel Plant, HEC in Ranchi, and Sindri Fertilizer Factory. Even with such industrial establishments, the local people remained landless, displaced, and unemployed. Migration to other states became a necessity. This is a grave issue we are addressing.”

Soren praised the state’s progressive labour laws and spoke on what steps the government is taking to ensure the safety and welfare of workers, both within and outside Jharkhand.

Hemant Soren made another big announcement saying that electricity will be free for the poor people of Jharkhand, no restrictions will be imposed on it.

According to Hemant Soren’s government, electricity consumers are being given free electricity up to 200 units. Those who consume up to 200 units of electricity will not have to pay any amount. Those who consume between 200 to 400 units will be given a subsidy of Rs 2.05 per unit. Those who consume more than 400 units of electricity will have to pay Rs 6.65 per unit

Reiterating his government’s developmental goals, Soren concluded, “We are committed to all-round development. Every day marks a new chapter in our progress. We have begun the journey, and we will accelerate it. I urge the Opposition to cooperate in this endeavour.”

Following the Chief Minister’s response, the House passed the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address with a majority.

CM claims one nation, one election as BJP’s agenda

Ranchi, December 12: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday described ‘one nation, one election’ as the BJP’s agenda and said its implications need to be seen.

The Union Cabinet earlier in the day approved bills to implement ‘one nation, one election’ and the draft legislations are likely to be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing Winter Session.
“They (BJP-led NDA) have the majority and they can take any decision. But, its implications and results need to be seen,” Soren told reporters at the Jharkhand assembly premises.
He said that all the elections were held simultaneously when the country became independent.
“This is their agenda. They will work on their agenda and we will work on our agenda,” said Soren, the JMM executive president.
In September, the Centre accepted the recommendations of a high-level committee to hold simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies in a phased manner.