Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday attended the inauguration ceremony of the “East Tech Symposium-2025” (Defence Expo) held at the Veer Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, Khelgaon, Ranchi.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that today is a historic and significant day for Jharkhand. The Ministry of Defence has organised the East Tech Symposium-2025 at Ranchi’s Veer Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, an event that is unique in itself, where several new dimensions are being added to the defence sector.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the objectives of this programme will certainly be achieved. He said that Jharkhand has contributed much to the country and has immense potential for the expansion of industries connected to the defence sector. He assured that his government is committed to fully cooperating with the Centre to make India’s defence sector self-reliant.
Jharkhand Holds Immense Potential for Industrial Expansion
The Chief Minister emphasised that Jharkhand is a land of opportunities. The state has abundant raw materials required in the defence sector and also possesses significant reserves of uranium. Several large industries have already been established in the state, giving it a distinct identity at the national level. Many small and medium industries have also grown here.
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He noted that at times, due to flawed policy decisions, some sectors have declined. Referring to the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) in Ranchi, he said that many other industrial organisations in the country have grown with its support. HEC has played an important role in manufacturing satellites and nuclear components. The Chief Minister expressed pain over the current situation of HEC, saying it is disappointing to see such a large institution not performing as expected.
State Government Assures Full Support to Defence Sector
The Chief Minister underlined the need for coordination between the Centre and state governments to advance industrial institutions and move towards self-reliance in the sector. He said that with joint efforts, new dimensions can be added to industries linked to defence. Hemant Soren expressed happiness that the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces was present at the event. He said that the efforts being made in the MSME sector are also a positive step and assured full support from the Jharkhand government to the defence sector.
Defence Expo Showcased by Dignitaries and Experts
On this occasion, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, and other dignitaries reviewed the Defence Expo. The event witnessed participation from defence experts, industrial organisations, technical institutes, and representatives of small and medium enterprises from across the country.
Those present included Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Eastern Command Chief Lt. Gen. Ramchandra Tiwari, Eastern Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Surat Singh, along with other senior officials of the Defence Ministry and distinguished guests.
