Arjun Munda govt completes 2 yrs in Jharkhand

Bharatya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA government has celebrated its second anniversary this year on September 11.The major alliance partners in the government, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and All India Jharkhand Students Union (Ajsu) remained mum when the report card on the achievements of the government in various sectors was released at an official function attended by chief minister, ministers, bureaucrats and dignitaries. Chief minister Arjun Munda highlighted his government’s achievements in various fields in last two years. But his two deputy chief ministers – Hemant Soren of JMM and Sudesh Mahto of Ajsu were reluctant to speak a single word at the function on the achievements of the government.

The 8th government in Jharkhand headed by Arjun Munda (BJP) came to power on September, 11, 2010.

The new state (Jharkhand) witnessed many ups and downs during last twelve years since the state constituted. Political uncertainties prevailed in the state for a considerable period in formation of ministries and as a result changes in the ministry occurred eight times.

The state also experienced President’s Rule twice, once on January 19, 2009 to December 29, 2009 and another from June 1, 2010 to September 11, 2010.

Babulal Marandi (BJP) was the first chief minister when the new state created. He held office from November 15, 2000 to March 17, 2003. After Babulal Marandi’s resignation, the state had seen seven chief ministers – Arjun Munda (BJP) from March 18, 2003 to March 2, 2005,

Shibu Soren (JMM) from March 2, 2005 to 12 March, 2005, Again Arjun Munda (BJP) 12 March, 2005 to 18 September, 2006, Madhu Koda (Independent) from September, 18, 2006 to August 27, 2008, Shibu Soren (JMM) August 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009.

After withdrawal of the President’s Rule on September 11, 2010, Arjun Munda (BJP) had again administered the oath of office by the Governor, MOH Farook along with two deputy chief ministers – Hemant Soren (JMM) and Sudesh Mahto (Ajsu) on September, 11, 2010.

When asked on the achievements of the present government, some tribal leaders told Business Standard, will you say aspiration of tribal people from a separate state (Jharkhand) was fulfilled ?, do their living condition improved?.

The leaders said livelihood of the people of the state was largely dependent on agriculture. The total cultivable land in Jharkhand is 38 lakh hectare, net sowing area is 18.04 hectare ((25 per cent of the total area) while the net irrigated area is 1.57 lakh hectare or eight per cent of the net sowing area.