Niti Aayog Meeting Updates | Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren actively participated in the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Representing Jharkhand, CM Soren presented a comprehensive agenda focused on inclusive development, revenue equity, women empowerment, and enhanced central-state collaboration.
“The vision of a developed India starts with developed states, and that begins in the villages,” said Soren, asserting that poverty eradication, women empowerment, youth skill development, education, infrastructure, and technological advancement form the foundation of true national progress.
Empowering Women and the Poor Through Direct Support
Highlighting Jharkhand’s ongoing efforts, CM Soren revealed that nearly 5 million women in the state receive ₹2,500 per month under empowerment initiatives. He also outlined how the government supports 25 lakh families with 5 kg of rice monthly, and ensures health insurance coverage for over 60 lakh underserved families, including those excluded from Ayushman Bharat.
“Health profiling at the district level is underway, and I recommend this approach be implemented nationwide to reinforce primary healthcare systems at every level,” he added.
Soren raised serious concerns about ₹1,40,435 crore in pending land compensation from mining companies operating in the state. He called for immediate recovery and amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act, proposing that land leased post-mining be mandatorily returned to the state. He demanded that companies involved in unauthorized mining be held accountable and that captive plants be mandated for local employment generation.
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“Jharkhand is rich in coal-based methane reserves, and this should be leveraged for energy generation,” he stressed.
Special Central Assistance for All 16 Maoist-Affected Districts
Addressing internal security, CM Soren pointed out the significant reduction of Maoist-affected districts from 16 in 2014 to just 2 in 2025. Still, he urged the Centre to continue Special Central Assistance in all 16 districts, acknowledging past struggles and ensuring sustained peace efforts.
He further suggested that the central government bear the cost of CAPF deployment in Jharkhand, aligning with cooperative federalism principles.
Soren proposed expanding railway operations and utilizing CSR and DMFT funds for state government priorities. He identified Sahibganj as a strategic cargo hub and advocated for constructing a bridge or dam over the Ganga River to boost regional trade.
He recommended building dedicated industrial mining corridors to enhance operational efficiency and reduce logistical burdens, especially in strategically important underdeveloped regions.
Call for Reform in Central Schemes and Revenue Sharing
CM Soren emphasized the need to revise eligibility criteria in centrally sponsored schemes, urging alignment with the socio-economic realities of states like Jharkhand. He called for increased funding under MGNREGA, PMAY, and other flagship programs.
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He also demanded that the revenue share between the Centre and states be increased from 41% to 50%, under the 16th Finance Commission. “Since the implementation of GST, manufacturing states like Jharkhand have suffered revenue loss. Post-June 2022, the cessation of compensation has resulted in thousands of crores in revenue deficit,” he explained.
The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to labor welfare, citing the state’s timely intervention during the pandemic and the recent repatriation of stranded workers from Cameroon. He called on the Centre to share financial and security responsibilities for Indian laborers employed abroad, including visa assistance and repatriation support.
Toward a Developed Jharkhand, Aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047
CM Soren concluded by stating that “Viksit Bharat @2047 cannot be achieved without a developed Jharkhand”, and reiterated his demand for equitable support from the central government to empower the state to fulfill its role in India’s long-term vision.
