Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday reviewed the latest progress of the Rural Development Department at the Jharkhand Ministry. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held with departmental officials on the implementation of various schemes, rural development initiatives, women’s empowerment, and livelihood enhancement programs.
Addressing the officials, the Chief Minister said that Gram Panchayats are the most important units for the state’s overall development. Strengthening local self-governance institutions is essential for accelerating development in rural areas. He directed officials to ensure transparent, timely, and effective implementation of all schemes under the Rural Development Department.
Focus on Housing for the Poor
Reviewing the Abua Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), and the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Housing Scheme, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the identification of beneficiaries. He emphasized that families still living without permanent housing or residing in dilapidated mud houses should be given priority under these schemes. He also stressed the need to complete all housing projects within the prescribed timelines.
Expanding Women’s Self-Help Groups
The Chief Minister directed the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) to focus on expanding women’s self-help groups (SHGs). He noted that women associated with SHGs play a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy.
He emphasized that women should not be confined only to agriculture but should also be linked to solar power generation, self-employment ventures, and other modern economic activities to promote self-reliance. Officials were instructed to provide adequate training and technical support for these initiatives.
Better Market Access for SHG Products
Hemant Soren directed officials to map products manufactured by self-help groups and ensure access to suitable markets. He assigned this responsibility to district and block-level program managers (DPMs and BPMs).
He also asked officials to prepare a roadmap for establishing Palash Mart outlets in major cities and tourist destinations outside Jharkhand to promote and market products made by SHG members.
Officials informed the meeting that the new Palash Mart building under construction on Kanke Road in Ranchi is in its final phase. Six new Palash Mart outlets are planned to be established this year, while a long-term plan is being developed to construct Palash Mart buildings in all districts of the state.
Promoting Livestock, Jute Processing, and Honey Production
Describing livestock-based schemes as highly beneficial for the rural economy, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that a larger number of people benefit from such initiatives.
He also stressed the need to promote opportunities in jute processing and honey production, saying these sectors have significant potential for generating employment and income, particularly for women in rural areas.
Inclusion of Vulnerable Women in SHGs
The Chief Minister directed officials to connect beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, women with disabilities, elderly women, and widows with self-help groups.
He further emphasized providing SHG members with training in innovation and modern technologies and ensuring regular cluster-level meetings to monitor the implementation of various schemes.
Linking SHGs with Banking and ‘Didi Cafés’
Hemant Soren instructed officials to formulate a plan for integrating self-help groups more effectively with the banking system. He also called for the expansion of Didi Cafés at Community Health Centres (CHCs), creating additional livelihood opportunities for women.
Water Conservation Key to Irrigation Success
Reviewing lift irrigation projects, the Chief Minister stated that water conservation is one of the most critical needs of the present time. He directed officials to organize meetings at the Gram Panchayat level and actively involve villagers in water management systems.
He noted that lift irrigation projects cannot succeed without effective water conservation measures and urged officials to accelerate water harvesting and conservation-related initiatives across the state.
Review of Major Rural Development Programs
The meeting also reviewed the progress of several key programs, including:
- National Rural Livelihood Mission
- Women Farmers Empowerment Project
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
- Birsa Special Tribal Development Scheme
- Youth Skill Development Scheme
- Watershed Development Projects
The meeting was attended by Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Rural Development Secretary Manoj Kumar, Rural Development Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Barnwal, JSLPS Chief Executive Officer Ananya Mittal, and several senior government officials.
