Hemant Soren Government 2.0: An Opportunity to Shape the Jharkhand Model for India

In recent years, India has seen many states claim the title of “model states.” While some were mere propaganda, others achieved modest results on the ground. Yet, no state has created a model so impactful that it resonates with every household without the need for heavy public relation (PR) exercises. Jharkhand, under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s second term, has the potential to give India a “Jharkhand Model”—a framework where women are empowered, the youth find employment, and opportunities for higher education and sports abound. With a focus on sustainable urban planning, enhanced tourism, and tribal rights, the state could truly emerge as a beacon of progress.

A Foundation for Transparent Governance

Hemant Soren has already shown intent by directing his cabinet members to appoint personal staff and secretaries with clean reputations. This is not merely a lesson learned from past experiences but also a step toward fostering a culture of integrity and innovative thinking in governance.

Education: Building from the Ground Up

From primary to higher education, Jharkhand has seen significant strides between 2019 and 2024. Initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Excellence Schools and the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship have laid a solid foundation. However, the goal should be to turn every primary school into a center of excellence and create a higher education ecosystem that supports more students in securing scholarships for overseas education. This is critical for the state’s indigenous population, which has historically lacked access to quality education.

With sufficient revenue at its disposal, Jharkhand has the resources to adopt the best education models from around the world—be it Finland’s primary education system or the higher and technical education frameworks of the UK, Canada, the US, and Germany. A comprehensive blueprint based on these global systems could revolutionize education in the state.

Healthcare: Learning from the Best

India’s best healthcare model to date has been Rajasthan’s “Free Medicine Scheme” introduced under Ashok Gehlot. It ensured free medicines and diagnostic tests for patients in government hospitals. Similarly, Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics by Arvind Kejriwal have brought healthcare closer to neighborhoods. Jharkhand, with its unique challenges of scattered tribal populations across mountains and forests, could combine these models. A system providing free medicine, diagnostics, and accessible clinics could significantly improve healthcare in the state and reduce the high mortality rates among tribal communities.

Globally, Sweden and Denmark’s public healthcare systems are recognized as exemplary models. Jharkhand could draw inspiration from these to craft its own healthcare success story.

Tourism: Tapping into Natural Beauty

Jharkhand is a land of breathtaking natural beauty. By improving connectivity and making tourist destinations accessible, the state could attract domestic and international visitors in droves. Upgrading facilities, creating safe zones, and maintaining cleanliness at tourist hotspots could make Jharkhand a perennial favorite among travelers.

Historically, regions like Giridih, Hazaribagh, and Ranchi were known as health resorts until the 1980s, attracting people from Bengal and neighboring states during summers. Reviving this legacy could not only boost tourism but also generate significant employment opportunities, helping to address the issue of migration.

Sports: Producing More Than One Dhoni

Jharkhand has already gifted India cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni and numerous hockey stars. The natural talent of its indigenous and native population spans across multiple sports, as evidenced by the state’s dominance in archery and hockey. With better facilities and training programs, Jharkhand could surpass Haryana and become the leading state in Indian sports. Drawing inspiration from countries like Australia, the US, and China, known for their sports infrastructure, Jharkhand could extend its reach to global standards.

Urban Planning: Creating Sustainable Cities

India boasts Chandigarh as a planned city recognized globally. In Jharkhand, only Jamshedpur and Bokaro stand out as planned urban centers. The state needs to extend sustainable development practices, including ring roads, modern drainage systems, and green urban planning, to all its cities. Japan’s model of urban sustainability could serve as a guide.

IT Sector: Harnessing Local Talent

Jharkhand produces a significant number of engineers annually, many of whom work in IT hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. The state needs to scale up its own IT infrastructure. With the introduction of the IT, Data Center, and BPO Investment Promotion Policy-2023, the foundation has been laid. What’s needed now is accelerated implementation to transform Jharkhand into a major IT hub.

Agriculture: Leveraging Natural Resources

Despite its mineral-rich terrain and challenging topography, Jharkhand has immense potential in agriculture, especially in vegetable production. Improved irrigation infrastructure could encourage people to stay connected to farming, reducing the state’s dependence on external markets and addressing migration issues.

Empowering Women: A Key to Progress

Women’s empowerment could be a cornerstone of the Jharkhand Model. In just six months of her political career, Kalpana Soren has sent a strong message that women in Jharkhand are powerful even within traditional settings. Programs like the Maiya Samman Yojana, which increases financial support for women, could be expanded to provide skills training and economic opportunities. Empowering women, particularly tribal girls who often migrate or are trafficked, is crucial for the state’s development.

A Bold Vision for a Model Jharkhand

Hemant Soren’s leadership has already showcased a commitment to bold actions, such as airlifting stranded migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. This spirit of decisive governance could pave the way for a Jharkhand that sets benchmarks for other states. If the envisioned changes are realized in the next five years, Jharkhand could truly emerge as a model state for the nation—one that balances development with equity and progress with sustainability.