Jamshedpur, April 16: In a significant push to strengthen educational infrastructure for tribal and rural youth, Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren on Tuesday announced the establishment of three new residential schools modeled after the prestigious Netarhat Residential School.
The announcement was made during the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas at the CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur, marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
“These schools will follow the CBSE curriculum and be equipped with advanced science laboratories, modern learning materials, and comprehensive nutritional support,” said Soren, addressing a crowd of more than 300 tribal school students, teachers, and CSIR–NML staff. “Just as our freedom fighters had a vision for independence, today’s youth must envision a developed and empowered Jharkhand—and work towards it.”
The new institutions aim to prepare students from underrepresented communities for national-level competitive examinations and close the educational gap that persists in remote regions.
The minister also highlighted initiatives like the Medha Samman Yojana, which encourages girls’ education in the state, and expressed concern over the shortage of Indian scientists. “We need local IAS, IPS officers, engineers, doctors, and researchers to shape Jharkhand’s future,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from the struggles of tribal freedom fighters such as Tilka Manjhi, Sidho-Kanhu, and Phulo-Jhano, Soren urged students to remain focused on their goals. “Students must identify their career destinations like stations on a train journey and move relentlessly toward them,” he added.
Other dignitaries at the event included Dr. Sandeep Ghosh Chaudhuri, Director of CSIR–NML; Dr. Naresh Chandra Murmu, Director of CSIR–CMERI, Durgapur; Dr. Manoj M. Humne, Chief Scientist and SC/ST representative; and Aditya Mainak, Administrative Controller of CSIR–NML.
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, celebrates tribal heritage and the legacy of tribal freedom fighters. This year’s celebrations will continue nationwide until November 2025.
