Ranchi: A 17-member delegation from National Defence College (NDC) called on Chief Minister Hemant Soren at his official residence on Kanke Road in Ranchi on Tuesday. During interaction, chief minister outlined Jharkhand’s strengths in industry, education, sports and its significant contribution to national economy.
Soren said Jharkhand is rich in natural and mineral resources and has a distinct identity rooted in its vibrant tribal culture and traditions, which he described as a valuable heritage. He said state is globally known for its cultural legacy and sporting talent. Highlighting sports achievements, he said Jharkhand players have made a mark at international level in cricket, hockey and archery. He pointed out that nearly half of Indian women’s hockey team, including captain, hails from Jharkhand, while names like former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni and ace archer Deepika Kumari have brought global recognition to state. He said government has framed a progressive sports policy to provide better platforms and support to athletes.
Speaking on education, chief minister said state government is continuously working to improve quality of education. Government schools are being upgraded as CM Schools of Excellence, offering facilities and teaching standards similar to private institutions. He said coordination with private educational institutions is also being strengthened to provide better learning opportunities. Soren informed delegation that university bill has been passed by cabinet and state is currently running 10 government medical colleges along with several private ones. He added that nursing and polytechnic education has also been expanded, with several new institutions established. Under Guruji Credit Card scheme, students pursuing higher education are being provided loans up to Rs 15 lakh without any guarantee, ensuring financial constraints do not hinder education.
On industrial development, Soren said Jharkhand has a strong industrial legacy with presence of major industries such as Tata Group, HEC, steel and fertiliser plants. Being rich in natural resources, state holds immense industrial potential. He said government has framed investor-friendly industrial policy, attracting interest from investors. Jharkhand’s participation in World Economic Forum annual meeting for first time was also highlighted, with chief minister expressing confidence that learnings from global platform would benefit state in coming years. He also invited delegation members to visit Jharia in Dhanbad district to understand challenge of underground fire, a long-standing issue known to central government.
Emphasising Jharkhand’s contribution to national economy, Soren said state generates highest railway revenue and accounts for maximum transportation of minerals in country. He said Jharkhand is largest producer of tasar silk, lac and silk, and government is promoting forest produce through federations, processing centres and market access to ensure fair prices for farmers.
Chief minister said positive work is being carried out across all sectors. With majority of population residing in rural areas, agriculture and animal husbandry remain crucial. Government is promoting animal husbandry to enhance nutrition and income among tribal communities. He also spoke about initiatives in green energy development aimed at environmental protection. Soren said sustained action by security forces, development work and effective implementation of welfare schemes have significantly reduced incidents of left-wing extremism, reiterating commitment towards a Naxal-free Jharkhand.
Discussing tea industry, Soren said tribal communities have been backbone of tea sector across states like Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar for decades. He said government is working to ensure rights and welfare of these communities, addressing migration challenges by linking them with welfare schemes and curbing women, child and labour trafficking.
Members of NDC delegation appreciated several welfare initiatives, including Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana. Soren said Jharkhand is first state where around 53 lakh women are receiving monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 through direct benefit transfer, helping them become self-reliant. Delegation also praised scheme under which nutritious meals, including eggs six days a week, are provided at all anganwadi centres. Chief minister said initiative has helped address malnutrition among children and further improvements are planned.
Soren also highlighted Sarvajan Pension Yojana, stating Jharkhand is first state to implement universal pension scheme covering old age, widow, disability and destitute pensions for all eligible beneficiaries.
Chief secretary Avinash Kumar, additional chief secretary home department Vandana Dadel, rural development secretary K Srinivasan, women and child development secretary Manoj Kumar, industries secretary Arva Rajkamal, tourism, art, culture and sports secretary Manoj Kumar, NDC Major General Hartej Singh Bajaj, Brigadier NDC Surveer Singh, senior officials and military officers from five countries were present during meeting.
