Jharkhand shifting from 'mines' to 'minds'-driven economy, says CM Hemant Soren
New Delhi, July 8
Jharkhand is moving from a mineral-driven economy to a knowledge-based growth model powered by technology, research, innovation and inclusive development, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Wednesday after inaugurating a two-day National Stakeholders Consultation in the national capital.
The consultation aims to attract global and domestic investments in Jharkhand and explore opportunities in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging sectors.
Addressing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, Soren said the state's future identity would not be defined merely by its mineral wealth, but by its intellectual capital and innovation ecosystem.
"Jharkhand's identity will now be shaped not only by 'mines' but by 'minds', not just by resources but by research, and not merely by growth but by inclusive growth," he said. He also outlined the state's vision for a new development model centred on technology, research and innovation.
The Chief Minister said Jharkhand was preparing itself for the next phase of technological transformation and governance innovation.
Referring to the state's participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF), he said Jharkhand had successfully showcased its strengths and priorities on a global platform and intended to strengthen its presence in international forums in the years ahead.
Emphasising the need for policies on local realities, Soren said the state would pursue a development strategy based on its own resources, strengths and socio-economic conditions rather than replicate models from elsewhere.
He described Jharkhand as a young state that had carved out a distinct identity in a relatively short period and was now poised to emerge as a hub for innovation-led growth.
Highlighting the government's development agenda, he said the objective was not limited to improving economic indicators but ensuring that the benefits of growth reached the last person in society.
Soren also underlined Jharkhand's contribution to the country's intellectual and human resource pool. Beyond its rich mineral reserves, the state has produced scientists, technologists, and administrators who are serving in key positions across India and abroad.
He said the time had come to harness this intellectual capital for the state's development.
On the state's mineral wealth, the Chief Minister cited strategically important resources such as uranium and mica. He said Jharkhand possessed substantial uranium reserves capable of meeting the country's long-term needs and stressed the importance of adopting modern technologies and scientific methods for their efficient and safe utilisation.
He clarified that the government's focus extended beyond merely attracting investments or signing MoUs. The priority, he said, was to build long-term partnerships that ensured sustainable growth for both industry and the state. To support this vision, Jharkhand was strengthening power supply, infrastructure, transport connectivity, skilled human resources and an industry-friendly policy framework.
CM Soren said sectors such as information technology and artificial intelligence would play a defining role in the future economy, and Jharkhand was aligning its policies and institutions accordingly.
While large-scale mining operations are currently underway in 14 districts, he said future mining activities would be guided by scientific practices and sustainability principles.
The government, he added, remains committed to balancing industrial development with the protection of "jal, jangal aur zameen".
The inaugural session was attended by state ministers Sudivya Kumar, Deepika Pandey Singh, Sanjay Yadav, and Irfan Ansari, besides representatives from some multinational companies.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting move by Jharkhand. I've worked in mining states in Australia that tried similar transitions—it takes serious investment in education and infrastructure. Smart that Soren is emphasizing local realities rather than copying other models. Let's see if the implementation matches the vision.
Jal, jangal aur zameen — good to hear that phrase from a CM. But words are cheap. We've seen so many MoUs signed and nothing happens on ground. If Soren ji is serious about "inclusive growth," show us the budget allocation for schools and internet connectivity in remote districts first.
"Mines to minds" — catchy slogan. But you can't build an AI hub without reliable electricity or decent roads. I've been to Jamshedpur and Ranchi, the potential is there, but the ground reality is very different. Hope this isn't just another PR exercise before elections.
As someone from Jharkhand settled in Bangalore, this gives me hope. Our state has produced so many IITians, doctors, and administrators — it's time we create opportunities for them back home. But Soren sahab, please focus on law and order first. No industry will invest if there's Naxal problem.
I appreciate the focus on uranium — that's strategic for India's energy security. But "scientific mining" should mean stricter environmental norms. We've seen what illegal mining did to the forests in Singhbhum. Don't sacrifice our jungles for corporate profits, please. 🌿
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