CM: State won’t depend on anyone if Centre clears dues

Chatra: Chief minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday said he is touring the entire state, seeking suggestions from the public to introduce better initiatives in future and assess the progress and effectiveness of schemes, as his govt is completing the mandatory five-year period soon.
Attacking the BJP-led Union govt, the CM said Jharkhand is a mineral-rich state but it remained poor because it had delayed paying royalty amounts and interests.“The Centre owes Rs 1.36 lakh crore to Jharkhand and if only the interest of this amount is paid, Jharkhand need not depend on anyone for its development,” he said.
While addressing the people of Chatra and Koderma districts during the ‘Aapki Yojana Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ programme on the 19th century Maa Bhadrakali temple campus in Ithkori block on Tuesday, Hemant emphasised that his govt is working from the grassroots level for the welfare of the people.
During the event, the CM dedicated 702 schemes worth approximately Rs 841 crore to both districts. While foundations for some were laid, several projects were inaugurated for both Chatra and Koderma districts.
Hemant also distributed assets worth around Rs 736 crore among 4.94 lakh beneficiaries and highlighted the success of the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, which has gained immense support from women. He also assured the govt’s commitment to women's empowerment.
“Despite the challenges and adverse circumstances, the govt is working diligently to improve the state. The work done by our govt in the last four-and-half years, even while battling the global pandemic, surpasses the progress made in the 20 years since Jharkhand’s formation,” he stressed.
The CM also emphasized the importance of farmers’ welfare, stating that an economically strong state depends on their happiness. “The govt is purchasing paddy from farmers and plans to open rice mills in the state soon with the rice produced here being distributed free of cost to the poor,” he said.
He also highlighted various welfare schemes, including pensions for the elderly, honorariums for women, financial assistance for self-employment of youths, education support for girl students through the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samridhi Yojana, and education loans for students under the Guruji Credit Card Scheme.