CM Hemant Soren Places Key Development Demands at Eastern Zonal Council Meeting

Ranchi | 11th July 2025 — At the Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in Ranchi, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren presented a focused set of demands to the Central Government, urging attention to issues related to infrastructure, rural economy, mining, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and federal rights.

On tourism and economic development, the Chief Minister called for the inclusion of Ramrekha Dham under the Ramayana Circuit and the connection of Buddhist sites in Jharkhand with the national Buddhist Circuit. He emphasized the importance of MSME-led employment generation in rural areas and proposed financial support of ₹2,500 per month for women aged 18–50 years under the Maiyan Samman Yojana.

Addressing mining and revenue concerns, Soren demanded the recovery of ₹1.40 lakh crore in outstanding dues from coal companies, amendments to the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) policy, and priority hiring of locals in PSUs. He also underlined the need for the safe closure of abandoned mines.

In the education and health sectors, the state sought Central support for establishing a Tribal University, developing RIMS-2, and setting up new medical colleges. The Chief Minister also urged an expansion of scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students with enhanced Centre participation.

To boost infrastructure, Soren proposed the Sahibganj–Ranchi Expressway, launch of the Ranchi Metro Rail Project, and faster completion of pending railway projects. On social welfare, he appealed for a revision of MGNREGA wages, increase in pension scheme contributions to ₹1,000 per beneficiary, and a new health insurance scheme offering ₹15 lakh coverage for low-income families.

Environmental concerns included the demand to include the Damodar River in the Namami Gange programme and a request for central collaboration on major irrigation projects.

Lastly, CM Soren raised constitutional concerns by opposing amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act, insisting that post-mining land control remain with the state, and requested a clear policy on the division of central assets like COMFED and Hotel Ashok.

The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming Jharkhand’s commitment to inclusive development, tribal empowerment, and strengthening of the federal structure, urging the Central Government for timely cooperation and policy support.