On the occasion of Children’s Day, Chief Minister Hemant Soren held an interactive session with UNICEF’s former child journalists and young participants at his residential office on Kanke Road, Ranchi. He extended warm greetings to all attendees on Children’s Day as well as Jharkhand Foundation Day, noting that the state has completed 25 years since its formation.
The Chief Minister said that just as Jharkhand began its journey as a state 25 years ago, many of today’s young participants were taking their first steps in childhood during the same period. He said the government is running several schemes to ensure the holistic development of current and future generations.
“Our children and youth are the future of the state and the nation. Only by strengthening them in every way can we build a prosperous and developed Jharkhand,” he said.
Scholarships and Education Reforms to Remove Barriers
CM Soren highlighted that the state government is operating multiple ambitious schemes to financially empower students studying in primary, middle, high schools, and higher education institutions. Through various scholarship programs, the government is providing economic support to ensure that poverty does not become a barrier to education.
He added that in the past, children from poor and needy families often could not pursue education, but the current government has brought a positive shift by improving the education system.
The state has upgraded 80 government schools as CM Schools of Excellence, offering high-quality education on the lines of private institutions, especially for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He added that in the coming years, many more government schools—particularly in remote rural regions—will be converted into Schools of Excellence.
The Chief Minister said the government is also running several initiatives to ensure the physical and mental well-being of students. He assured that the state will continue launching and expanding schemes phase-wise based on emerging needs.
He urged the young participants to help spread awareness among peers who are still deprived of government benefits. CM Soren also noted that every year, the government honours Class 10 and 12 toppers, offering them laptops, mobile phones, and financial rewards.
Manoj Kumar, Secretary of the Women, Child Development & Social Security Department, was also present on the occasion.
Students Share First-Hand Impact of Schemes
Former UNICEF child journalists and girl students from KGBV (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya) and JBAV (Jharkhand Balika Aawasiya Vidyalaya) shared how various state schemes have transformed their lives. They highlighted several initiatives, including:
- Mukhyamantri Maiyya Samman Yojana
- Savitri Bai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana
- Summer Campaign, Gyan Setu, Guruji Credit Card Scheme
- CM School of Excellence, Mukhyamantri Sarathi Yojana
- MHM Labs
- Inclusion of eggs in the Mid-Day Meal
- Eco Clubs, Clean and Green Campus, Swachh Vidyalaya Awards
The students told the Chief Minister how these programs have improved their access to education, health, nutrition, and overall development while opening new opportunities for their future. They also expressed gratitude to CM Hemant Soren and the Jharkhand government, sharing that these initiatives have eased the financial burden on their families.
UNICEF Appreciates State’s Commitment
Dr. Kaninika Mitra, Head of UNICEF Jharkhand, congratulated the Chief Minister on the state completing 25 years and praised his commitment towards child and youth development. She said the presence of the CM at the youth interaction demonstrates the government’s seriousness in ensuring opportunities for every child.
UNICEF’s Communication, Advocacy & Partnerships Specialist Aastha Alang added that the day is not just for looking back but also for envisioning a future where every child gets equal rights and opportunities to fulfil their dreams.
Concluding the interaction, CM Hemant Soren said he thoroughly enjoyed speaking with the young participants. He again extended his best wishes on Children’s Day and Jharkhand Foundation Day and appreciated UNICEF for its ongoing work in the state.
