Jharkhand has potential to be India's most developed state: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Jharkhand has the potential to one of the most developed states of the country, and even the potential to overtake Gujarat.

"Atalji (Atal Behari Vajpayee) created Jharkhand with a dream that this land with rich natural resources will benefit the nation too. Together, we have to change things. With several development initiatives, we have to take Jharkhand towards progress," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the National Digital Literacy Mission in Ranchi.

He further emphasized that if India has to emerge as a developed nation, then each and every part of the country needed to develop.

"If India has to develop, no part of the country can remain underdeveloped. Growth has to be balanced across north, south, east and west", he added.

Modi also referred to the cabinet's decision to increase royalty rates on minerals, which would also benefit Jharkhand enormously.

The Prime Minister had earlier in the day dedicated the 765 KV transmission line to the nation.

He revealed that work on the Jagdishpur-Phoolpur-Haldia gas pipeline would commence soon, and once completed, it would act as a major source of energy for the eastern part of the country.

Jharkhand was carved out of the southern part of Bihar in November 2000 when the NDA Government of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was in office.

A debate on its creation as a separate state had been on for more than 50 years before it was approved by the Vajpayee regime.

The tribal dominated state is the leading producer of mineral wealth in the country. Jharkhand is also known for its vast forest resources.