Jharkhand Government Introduces Free Residential Coaching for Tribal Aspirants in Medical and Engineering

Ranchi: In a significant push toward educational empowerment of tribal youth, the Jharkhand government on Monday launched a free residential coaching initiative aimed at preparing Scheduled Tribe (ST) students for medical and engineering entrance examinations.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the Dishom Guru Shibu Soren Engineering and Medical Coaching Institute at Hindpiri in Ranchi. The institute will function in partnership with a well-known coaching organisation from Kota, Rajasthan, renowned for its expertise in competitive exam preparation.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the programme as a visionary step to secure a brighter future for Jharkhand’s tribal students. He advised the selected candidates to uphold discipline and dedication, assuring them of the government’s continued commitment to their academic and social advancement.

CM Soren also instructed officials to develop adequate sports and recreational infrastructure within the campus, emphasising the importance of holistic student development alongside academic excellence.

In the initial phase, 300 meritorious ST students have been admitted to the institute, which operates under the supervision of the Welfare Department. The programme offers expert faculty guidance, comprehensive study material, tablets preloaded with digital content, library facilities, and advanced e-learning support.

The coaching is fully residential and free of cost, with separate hostels for male and female students. Officials said the initiative is part of the Jharkhand Scheduled Tribe Educational Upliftment Programme, designed to assist talented tribal students who are unable to pursue professional education due to financial limitations.

Eligibility is restricted to permanent residents of Jharkhand belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category, whose parents are not employed in regular government service.

Welfare Minister Chamra Linda, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, senior officials, and other dignitaries attended the inauguration.

The Welfare Department already supports ST candidates appearing for UPSC Civil Services Mains and interviews and also provides coaching for JPSC and JSSC examinations. The state government is now planning to extend similar free coaching facilities to deserving students from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and minority communities from the next academic session, subject to budgetary approval.

With inputs from IANS