RANCHI: As Jharkhand marks 25 years of statehood, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday called for a strong, balanced, and multidimensional budget to unlock the young state’s immense potential. Addressing the ‘Abua Dishom Budget Conclave’ at the Chief Minister’s Office, Soren emphasized that the upcoming budget, estimated at around one lakh crore rupees, must reflect public aspirations and accelerate development across all sectors.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need for increased revenue collection to support welfare schemes and infrastructure projects without financial hurdles. ‘We are actively seeking suggestions from the public and experts to craft a people-centric budget,’ he said, underscoring the importance of citizen participation in fiscal planning.
Drawing from his recent visits to the World Economic Forum in Davos and London, Soren shared insights into global policies, work cultures, and economic models. These experiences, he noted, will guide Jharkhand towards innovative growth strategies tailored to the new generation’s expectations.
Jharkhand boasts abundant natural resources—water, forests, minerals, entrepreneurial spirit, human capital, and a robust workforce. ‘Our challenge is to optimally utilize these assets in education, health, tourism, agriculture, sports, industry, and infrastructure,’ Soren asserted. Initiatives are underway to bring water to farmlands, expand healthcare, protect jal-jangal-zameen, and promote agricultural innovations.
Despite being labeled a small, backward state, Jharkhand plays a pivotal role in India’s economy. The government is introducing new policies for value addition to local resources like lac and tasar silk, where the state leads nationally. Preserving rich tribal traditions remains a priority in this tribal-majority state.
Soren praised the integration of public and expert inputs into the budget process. Top suggestion providers—Swati Banka, Kishor Prasad Verma, and Gopi Hansda—were honored with cash prizes and certificates. The event saw participation from Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, and experts from leading institutions.
With a focus on youth aspirations and resource optimization, Jharkhand’s budget aims to propel the state into a prosperous future, setting a new direction for its next chapter of growth.