New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren raised several long-pending issues concerning his state and sought the Centre’s support at the meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, here on Thursday.

Soren urged the Centre to release pending funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission and clear outstanding dues of around Rs 1.36 lakh crore owed by coal companies to the state.

He also called for simplification of land acquisition procedures and approval of pending medical college projects.

The Chief Minister said Jharkhand should not be viewed merely as a mineral-producing state, but as a potential hub for industry, manufacturing, and a knowledge-based economy.

He stressed the need for value addition of mineral resources within the state and the establishment of industries.

Soren said that optimal utilisation of Jharkhand’s mineral wealth, human resources and agricultural potential could make it a key contributor to the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. He also sought the Centre’s support for developing industries based on critical minerals, as well as setting up research institutions and innovation centres.

He emphasised the need to promote investment in sectors such as textiles, electronics, green energy, logistics, and agro-food processing.

Highlighting steps taken in education, health and skill development, Soren said the state has initiated several measures in these sectors. He proposed increasing the number of PM SHRI schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas in Jharkhand and setting up a regional centre of NCERT in the state.

He added that the government is working towards developing 5,000 model schools in the state.

On skill development, Soren said that under the Sarathi scheme, lakhs of youths have been trained and are being prepared for emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, drones, electric vehicles and solar energy.

He also sought approval for the remaining two of the six proposed medical colleges under the PPP model, stating that these are essential for expanding medical education and healthcare services in the state.

The Chief Minister further requested the Centre to support the establishment of a sports university and centres of excellence in Jharkhand, and to provide opportunities for the state to host national and international sporting events.

Soren pointed out that several districts in Jharkhand fall within the operational areas of central PSUs such as DVC, CCL and ECL. He emphasised the need for relaxation and simplification in land-related procedures to facilitate the development of social infrastructure in these regions.

–IANS

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