Jharkhand launches ‘Mines to Minds’ vision with AI and investment policies

Signalling a strategic shift from a resource-dependent economy to an innovation-led growth model, the Jharkhand government on Wednesday launched a two-day National Stakeholders Consultation to finalise six key policies aimed at attracting investments, accelerating digital transformation and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Inaugurating the consultation, Chief Minister Hemant Soren articulated a new vision for the state, declaring that Jharkhand’s future should be defined not only by its mineral wealth but also by its intellectual capital.

“Jharkhand’s identity should not be limited to mines but should also be defined by minds. We must move beyond extraction towards innovation and build a knowledge-based economy,” Hemant Soren

The consultation brings together policymakers, industry leaders, technology companies, investors and subject experts to deliberate on six draft policy frameworks before they are placed before the Cabinet. These include the Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, Artificial Intelligence Policy, Tourism Policy, Textile Policy, JIADA Regulations, and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy.

Building a future-ready economy

Jointly organised by the state’s Information Technology, Industries and Tourism departments, the exercise reflects the government’s attempt to align Jharkhand’s policy framework with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital governance, advanced manufacturing and high-value services.

The opening day’s discussions centred on AI, digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and technology-enabled governance. Representatives from global technology firms, including Microsoft, Google and IBM, participated in the deliberations, offering recommendations on strengthening digital infrastructure, improving ease of doing business and expanding technology adoption across sectors.

A dedicated Business-to-Government (B2G) session explored opportunities for collaboration in AI, information technology and digital public infrastructure, with discussions focusing on investment facilitation, employment generation and building a competitive innovation ecosystem.

Participatory policymaking

Soren said the consultation underscores the government’s commitment to evidence-based and participatory policymaking, adding that stakeholder feedback would be incorporated before the policies receive Cabinet approval.

“Our objective is not merely industrial growth but inclusive and sustainable development that creates employment and improves livelihoods,” he said.

Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar emphasised that technology would remain central to Jharkhand’s long-term development strategy, while Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh outlined initiatives aimed at creating a more investor-friendly ecosystem.

Investment focus

The second day of the consultation is expected to focus on industrial and textile policies and may culminate in the signing of investment agreements across key sectors.

The policy exercise comes as Jharkhand seeks to diversify beyond mining by attracting investments in manufacturing, digital services, tourism, textiles and emerging technologies. The government hopes the new policy framework will strengthen the state’s competitiveness, improve the investment climate and position Jharkhand as a preferred destination for knowledge-intensive industries.

Why it matters

For decades, Jharkhand’s economy has been closely linked to mining and heavy industries. The “Mines to Minds” narrative signals the government’s intention to complement its resource base with investments in technology, innovation, skills and digital infrastructure. If backed by effective implementation, the proposed policy package could broaden the state’s economic base, create higher-value jobs and enhance its attractiveness to domestic and global investors.