Jharkhand overcame darker days: Raghubar Das

Chief Minister Raghubar Das mentioning about ‘tainted’ past of Jharkhand claimed that the State has now into brighter era of governance under the present regime. Addressing people of the State on the occasion of 72nd anniversary of country’s independence on Wednesday the CM also laid down future course of action while working in coordination with the Center.

“When I recall those days, I used to think about the development of Jharkhand. The whole system here had collapsed. Jharkhand was only mentioned for its corruption in the world. Situation was very bad but I took it as challenge. We wanted to remove the stigma of corruption from Jharkhand. Now you question yourself if Jharkhand is discussed anywhere in the world is it the same topic why it was discussed earlier,” said the CM.

He added that with the support of people of the State has managed to make its name completely changed the image of Jharkhand where every citizen can proudly say, “Yes, I am a Jharkhandvasi. That is why I say that whenever someone tries to deceive you, just do one thing, compare Jharkhand from the past and then nobody will be able to deceive you,” said he.

He also paid tributes to Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi; Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Shaeed Bhagat Singh, sons of soil Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Veer Sidho-Kanho, Chand-Bhairav, Veer Budhu Bhagat, Nilambar-Pitambar and other freedom fighters on the occasion. “We cannot forget the sacrifices of women in the freedom struggle and bow down to Rani Lakshmi Bai, Fulo-Jhano and several others,” he added setting up the bond between Independence Day and Sharavni Mela.

“Our beloved Bharat Ratna, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji built Jharkhand. In accordance with the ideals of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Atal ji, we are constructing Jharkhand where there is no illiteracy, poverty, homeless or without treatment. I always think why Jharkhand is poor when it is so rich in terms of natural resources. Everyone knows the answer but still I would to mention that previous governments have not paid enough attention,” said Das.

Talking about future, the CM said that Jharkhand is progressing rapidly on the path of development. “Entire country is recognising this. Today, Jharkhand is the second in the country in terms of growth rate, fourth in ease of doing business, awarded Best Performing State in the cleanliness survey, number one in terms of improvement in health services. All this has been possible because of your support. These achievements show that the path we are moving towards development is correct. Now we need to go further than this,” said he.

The CM mentioned about clean track record of his Government. “Till today, we have not faced even a single charge of corruption. Our government is honest and unblemished. For me people of Jharkhand are God and I am their servant,” said Das lamenting his political opponents who, he charged, are creating atmosphere of confusion in the public.

He also talked about more than over 1 lakh Government jobs and self-employment opportunities created in the State where more than 95 per cent local youth got employment and promised 50000 more jobs soon and added that 16 lakh women have been given self employment through more than 1 lakh Sakhi Mandals. Loans given to youths, skill development training and promotion to farm sector were also mentioned by the CM.

He, on the occasion, thanked the Prime Minister and the Center for full support that has increased assistance by from Rs 7392 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 13414 crore in 2017-18. “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that now Jharkhand has a double-engine Government, which has an engine in Delhi and the other is here. It is also the goal of the Central government along with the State government to bring prosperity in the lives of people. The PM himself came to Jharkhand and handed over projects worth Rs 30000 crore. AIIMS and airport in Deoghar, Patratu Power Plant and Fertiliser plant in Sindri will not only develop the state but will also create employment opportunities.”

The CM also mentioned about three medical colleges along with five new medical colleges. In addition, two medical colleges will be started in Public Private Partnership in Jamshedpur and Bokaro along with 10 new universities set up in the last three and a half years.

“In November this year, a Global Agriculture and Food Summit will be organised for farmers, which will be an important step towards doubling the income of farmers. Agriculture is the mainstay of Jharkhand's economy. Our farmers are being insured under the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme for free of cost. The government is bearing the amount of premium given by farmers,” said he.

 “Our government has beautified Sarna Masana sites and gave status of state fair to Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana and Lugu Buru Festival. For the development of tribal dominated villages, we launched a special campaign from June 30, where the Central Government’s flagship schemes were implemented. This campaign is ending today.” He said.

 “Naxalism is going to end soon with development and public support. Soon it will be nabbed. I appeal to all the strayed youth to return to mainstream. On this occasion I bow to the Jharkhand Police Central Security Forces and the people of the army who are protecting the state and the country by putting their life in stake,” said he.