Jharkhand CM vows to accelerate development

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday vowed to accelerate the process of development and make the state an example in the country.

Addressing a gathering at the Morahbadi ground here on the statehood day, Das called upon everyone to work towards corruption-free, dynastic-free, caste-free and communalism- free state so that citizens get the opportunity to live with dignity.

Jharkhand was carved out from Bihar on November 15, 2000 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

"Your (people) belief and confidence are my strength. My only aim is to meet your expectations. I assure you that Jharkhand will rapidly progress, our state will be an example for the entire country and Jharkhand will be placed among the leading states," Das said.

Congratulating the people on the statehood day, the chief minister said he bowed to tribal icon Birsa Munda, whose birthday coincides the day.

Sharing his inter-action with a youth, who was born on November 15, 2000 when the state was created, the chief minister quoted that youth saying the latters only desire is development, which signifies the desire of the youth.

"The youth wants development. He keeps information about society, country and world and does not get misled. That is why the responsibility of everyone increases towards developmental programmes," Das said.

Remembering former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy prime minister L K Advani for helping in the creation of Jharkhand, Das said several governments were formed but the bitter truth is that Jharkhand had not developed as much it could have been.

Referring to his nearly four years term, Das said that now the world does not remember Jharkhand for corruption or naxalism.

"There is discussion about Jharkhands development. Today you can proudly say that I am Jharkhand vasi," Das added.

"Your mukhya sevak (chief minister) was honest in the past, is honest now and will remain untainted in the future as well ... I will always keep your head held high," Das said.

He said his government is giving between Rs 3000 and Rs 5000 to 3,477 'Jharkhand andolankaris' per month and a commission is further determining other andolankaris.

Addressing the statehood day function Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu said that the state has played a major role in the development of the nation.

"The state is entering into its 19th year. In the last 18 years the state has established new aspects of development. Alongside playing a major role in development in different areas, Jharkhand is discharging an important role in the development of the nation," she said.

The governor said "Chancellor Portal" has been inaugurated for quality improvement in the education sector like giving information regarding education, prospectus, enrollment, registration and other facilities.

The government is also continuously working to fill-up vacancies to eliminate unemployment and migration, she said.

The youth of the state are being given skill training under the 'Jharkhand Kaushal Vikas Mission', she said, adding the government is focusing on self-employment by promoting minor and cottage industries and self-help groups.

The government is also taking steps to make women self-sufficient by connecting them with 'Ajivika Mission', following which bank loans on easy terms being provided to the women after skill training, the governor said and referred to the distribution of funds among Sakhi Mandals to mark the day as in that direction.