Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has urged the Central government to address critical issues facing the state. He called for the clearance of a significant debt owed by mining companies to Jharkhand, amounting to around Rs 1.36 lakh crore. Soren emphasized the importance of implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna housing scheme to improve living conditions for economically disadvantaged individuals. He also raised concerns about the low credit deposit ratio in the state, calling for greater cooperation between banks and the government. Soren stressed the need for continued deployment of paramilitary forces to maintain security and prevent extremist activities.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has called upon the Central government to address several critical issues facing the state. Speaking at a conference on Left Wing Extremism in New Delhi, Soren highlighted the pressing need to clear a substantial debt owed by mining companies operating in the state. He urged the Centre to take action to ensure the release of approximately Rs 1.36 lakh crore that these mining entities owe to Jharkhand. The funds, if provided, could significantly boost the state's development efforts.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Soren emphasized the importance of implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, a flagship housing scheme initiated by the Indian government. He pointed out that around eight lakh villagers in Jharkhand are eligible for the program, which aims to provide affordable housing to economically disadvantaged individuals. Ensuring the effective execution of this scheme is crucial to improving the living conditions of many in the state.
Soren also raised concerns about the alleged reluctance of banks to extend loans in Jharkhand. He cited a significantly low credit deposit ratio of 45 percent in the state, well below the national average of 67 percent. This disparity highlights the need for greater cooperation between financial institutions and the state government to facilitate economic growth and investment.
In his communication with the union home minister, Soren stressed the importance of continued deployment of paramilitary forces in Jharkhand. This measure is seen as essential for maintaining security and preventing the resurgence of extremist activities in the state. To bolster these efforts, he suggested extending the tenure of the Inspector General (IG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jharkhand to at least three years. This would ensure continuity in anti-Naxal operations, a critical aspect of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
One significant milestone mentioned by Chief Minister Soren was his visit to 'Budha Pahad,' a former Maoist hotbed near the Chhattisgarh border. With the cooperation of the central government, this area has been liberated from the influence of Naxalites. A police camp has been established there, and a comprehensive action plan for the development of six panchayats in the region has been put into motion.
However, Soren expressed regret over the discontinuation of several schemes aimed at eradicating extremism, which adversely affected the state's efforts in this regard. He highlighted the reduction in the number of districts benefiting from Special Central Assistance, from 16 to just nine, as a concerning development.
Moreover, Soren drew attention to the plight of eight lakh eligible beneficiaries who have been deprived of the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana due to delays and hurdles. He urged the Union Ministry of Rural Development to take immediate action to rectify this issue.
As the state of Jharkhand grapples with these challenges, Chief Minister Hemant Soren's call to action underscores the need for collaboration between the state and central governments to address pressing issues and promote development and security in the region.