VIJAY DEO JHA
Ranchi, Nov 15: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday said that his government was committed to the development of the state and the poorest of the poor of the state.
Addressing a 5000 plus gathering at the Morabadi ground during 23rd foundation day of Jharkhand, Soren avoided making political statements concerning the money laundering probe against him and the issue of his disqualification which is under consideration of the Governor Ramesh Bais.
Incidentally, President Droupadi Murmu is said to have cancelled her programme at the last minute apparently apprehending that Soren could have used the occasion to brickbat the Central government for a probe against an ‘Adivasi CM’ in corruption cases and thus bringing embarrassment for her.
No wonder, Governor Ramesh Bais, who was the chief guest, also skipped the programme, apparently for similar reasons. But what widely caught the attention of political pundits was the presence of Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren on well decked sprawling dais where no JMM minister got the place.
Her presence has kicked off speculation that in case of disqualification or the CM is forced to step down due to money laundering probe, Kalpana Soren will replace him.
In his 20 minutes speech, Hemant Soren mainly spoke about his agenda for development and empowerment of tribals, Dalits, OBC and minorities.
He said that his government passed the bill for Sarna code for tribals and 1932 as the cut-off-year for domicile of the state.
“November 11 is an incredibly special day for Jharkhand. The Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act was introduced on November 11, 1908. Coincidently, the domicile policy was introduced on November 11 this year. Even the resolution for Sarna code was passed on this date only last year,” said the CM.
He said that in 2019 when the UPA alliance won the majority and formed the government there were myriads of problems which his government took up to solve.
“But unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic posed a big threat. Life came to a standstill. People were dying; they were on the road without food. In some states the situation was so bad that people were throwing dead bodies of their kith and kin in rivers. But in Jharkhand we managed the situation very well and life was back on the track,” he said.
He said that his government decided that the administration would reach people and solve their problems at their doorsteps.
“This is happening for the first time in the history of Jharkhand that officials are visiting villages to know about their requirements and solve their problems,” he said.
Hemant Soren said his government introduced plans and projects to strengthen the rural economy. Besides, recruitment processes were accelerated.
“Everybody knows what happened with the JPSC examinations. But during our government examinations were conducted and jobs given. 250 aspirants competed and they became BDOs and many others. Out of them there are around 30 to 35 such aspirants who belong to poor economic backgrounds. Our government is also sending students to foreign institutions for higher studies,” he said.
He pointed out that the government is constructing state of art schools at par with any private schools. “Very soon these schools will be operational. Let me tell you that teachers for these schools will be trained at IIM-R,” he said.
