Soren Lists Welfare, Education and Investment Push in Assembly Address

Jharkhandinc Bureau

RANCHI, March 18: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday outlined the government’s welfare, education and investment priorities during his address at the conclusion of the Budget Session of the Assembly.

Addressing the House, Soren said the state government has focused on social security, food access, education and healthcare as core priorities over the past six years. He said the budget size has increased from around Rs 86,000 crore to about Rs 1.58 lakh crore during this period.

He said social security coverage has expanded significantly, with more than 36 lakh beneficiaries now receiving pensions under state schemes, compared to around 11-12 lakh earlier.

The chief minister also highlighted financial assistance schemes for women, stating that over 50 lakh beneficiaries are receiving monthly support of Rs 2,500, with total disbursement crossing Rs 20,000 crore.

On education, Soren said the government plans to develop 100 model schools, open new residential schools for girls and establish engineering colleges and degree colleges across the state. He said Rs 18,816 crore has been allocated for the education sector in the current financial year.

He also referred to initiatives to support higher education, including overseas scholarship programmes and partnerships with international institutions to expand academic opportunities for students from the state.

Soren said the government is working on improving governance through technology, including the development of an integrated data intelligence platform to monitor implementation of schemes and ensure delivery at the grassroots level.

On economic development, he said a Jharkhand State Economic Development Board will be set up to promote investment across sectors such as industry, energy transition, skills and social welfare.

He said the state is also planning to develop eco-tourism destinations and promote sectors such as clean energy, green steel and information technology with private investment.

The chief minister raised concerns over changes in the rural employment framework, stating that the structure of MGNREGA is important for livelihood security in the state.

He said the government will continue to focus on inclusive growth, with emphasis on social welfare, employment and long-term economic development.