JMM seeks special state status from Finance Commission

Ranchi, May 29: JMM central general secretary cum spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya strongly demanded special state status for Jharkhand in a press conference at Ranchi on Thursday.

He said that with the arrival of the 16th Finance Commission, the social, economic and geographical situation of Jharkhand should be assessed so that the state can get its due rights. He said that Jharkhand is a major producer of many minerals including uranium, due to which many generations here are suffering from health problems.

“Diseases like malaria and TB are common in mining areas. Despite this, Jharkhand has contributed to nation building by sacrificing its natural resources. In such a situation, this state is a strong contender for special status,” said Bhattacharya.

He said that when the members of the Finance Commission visited the state, they inspected the natural resources and road routes, as well as visited religious places like Babadham.

He emphasized that Jharkhand is not only the largest mineral producing state in the country, but also provides revenue to the country through railway transportation.

“The state’s geographical location, human resources and labour force also reflect its specialty. Most of the workers go to areas like Leh-Ladakh from Jharkhand. Displacement and migration are big problems here, yet the state does not lag behind in nation building,” added Bhattacharya.

Supriyo Bhattacharya also said that Jharkhand faces neglect in areas like railways, where rejected racks are always sent, be it Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi train. Despite this, Jharkhand fulfills its share of responsibility.

He said that the conditions of Jharkhand are similar to the northeastern states, where children have to walk long distances for education. Many public welfare schemes are being run in the state.

He demanded that the central government should play a special role in the development of Jharkhand by giving it the status of a special state. The central government should give 75% share in the schemes and the state should bear

“Jharkhand should not be cheated again and again. The state government has demanded an amount of Rs 1 lakh 40 thousand crore, but it has not received it yet. Every time we have to appeal for different schemes, which is not fair to the state,” he stressed.