Ranchi, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, speaking at the 27th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council held in Ranchi on Thursday, strongly emphasized the need for greater Central support to ensure the holistic development of the state. Stressing on the spirit of cooperative federalism, he presented 31 major demands before the Union Government, covering critical sectors like employment, infrastructure, health, education, and tribal welfare.
“This is not just a list of demands, but a roadmap for empowering the people of Jharkhand,” Soren stated, adding that many past issues had seen resolution through this platform and he hoped for the same this time.
Top Demands and Highlights:
-
Coal Royalty Dues: Immediate recovery of ₹1.40 lakh crore from coal companies.
-
Maiyaan Samman Yojana: Centre’s support to provide ₹2,500/month to women aged 18–50.
-
Tribal University: Financial assistance for establishing a dedicated university.
-
Ranchi Metro Rail: Urgent approval for the capital’s metro project to ease congestion.
Sector-Wise Demands at a Glance:
Infrastructure & Connectivity
-
Expressway between Sahebganj and Ranchi, and road linkage from Garhwa to Dumka.
-
Construction of Sahebganj-Manikchak bridge in partnership with West Bengal.
-
Expansion of railway network in under-served districts.
-
Inclusion of Jharkhand cities like Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur in the Namami Gange programme.
-
Development of an air cargo hub in Sahebganj.
Health & Nutrition
-
Funding support for six new medical colleges, including RIMS-2.
-
₹312 crore for malnutrition eradication, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.
-
Expansion of Anganwadi centres (1,683 new centres proposed).
-
Technical and data support for Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana.
Education & Youth Empowerment
-
Scholarship schemes for SC/ST/OBC students.
-
Patent & research centre to boost innovation in the state.
Social Welfare & Women Empowerment
-
Central contribution to old-age and widow pensions to be raised to ₹1,000/month.
-
Full cooperation in Maiyaan Samman Yojana for women’s financial inclusion.
Employment & Industry
-
Support for MSME sector and rural entrepreneurship.
-
Reforms in District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) and PSU job priority for locals.
-
Demand to equalize MNREGA wages with state minimum wage (₹405 vs ₹255).
Mining & Resources
-
Immediate dues from coal companies, return of unused land post-mining.
-
Objection to mining halt in Saranda forest region and demand for auction correction.
Tourism & Heritage
-
Inclusion of Ramrekha Dham and other sites under Ramayana and Buddhist Circuit.
-
Joint efforts for an integrated tourism policy for Eastern India.
Inter-State & Resource Sharing
-
Resolution of pending issues related to COMFED and Hotel Ashoka.
-
Call for joint planning with Bihar, Odisha, and Bengal for regional challenges.
CM Soren’s Message
Hemant Soren underlined the urgency of Centre-State synergy, calling this effort a “democratic necessity” rather than a political pitch. He urged the Union Government to treat Jharkhand not as a “resource state alone,” but as a partner in national progress.
