Chaibasa, Feb 04 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday criticised the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of neglecting the mineral-rich state in the Union Budget and ignoring its tribal population.
“Jharkhand contributes significantly to the country’s exchequer with its mineral resources. But, there is nothing for the state in the Budget. Nothing is there for our tribal people,” Soren said while addressing a public function in Chaibasa.
The Chief Minister expressed his commitment to fight for the rights of the state, which he said had been overlooked despite its significant contribution to the national economy. “We will continue our fight to secure Jharkhand’s rights,” he added.
At the event, Soren laid the foundation stones for 178 development projects worth ₹315.28 crore ($38.2 million) and inaugurated 68 completed projects valued at ₹96.97 crore ($11.8 million).
In a move aimed at improving governance at the grassroots level, Soren announced plans to develop a system under which block and district officials would visit rural areas to address people’s concerns directly. “We are now developing a system under which block and district officials will reach the doorsteps of rural people to address their issues,” he said.
Jharkhand, known for its abundant mineral resources, remains one of India’s least developed states, with a large tribal population relying on government support for welfare and development.