Jharkhand Unveils 1,087 Development Projects Worth ?8,800 Crore on 25th Statehood Day

Ranchi: Jharkhand marked 25 years of its statehood by inaugurating and laying foundation stones for 1,087 development projects worth ?8,799 crore during a grand celebration at Morabadi Ground on Saturday.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren jointly launched the initiatives in the presence of cabinet ministers and public representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Gangwar described Jharkhand’s silver jubilee as a moment of “self-respect, reflection, and determination”. He said the state’s roots lie in the struggles and dreams of icons such as Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Nilambar-Pitambar, and Phool-Jhano.

He recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s crucial role in Jharkhand’s creation, noting that Vajpayee’s vision paved the way for statehood. The Governor added that November 15 is also the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, now observed nationwide as Tribal Pride Day.

Gangwar, who was part of the Union Cabinet when Jharkhand was formed in 2000, expressed pride in having supported its formation. He also paid homage to the late Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, saying the state owes much to his lifelong struggle.

Reviewing 25 years of progress, he highlighted advancements in education, agriculture, mining, energy, sports, and culture, while stressing that issues such as education gaps, healthcare, unemployment, and migration still need focused efforts.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren called Jharkhand “a land of heroes” whose identity is built on the sacrifices of countless martyrs. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to placing Jharkhand among the developed states, noting that young people born after statehood are now propelling its growth.

Soren listed key initiatives in health, education, sports, infrastructure, and tourism, expressing confidence that Jharkhand will set new milestones in the years ahead.

Dignitaries also visited an exhibition on the life of Shibu Soren and toured departmental stalls. The event featured cultural performances from across the state, and flower petals were showered from a helicopter to mark the occasion.

With inputs from IANS