State Bureau, Ranchi: The demand for ₹1.36 lakh crore in coal royalty arrears from the Central government resonated on Friday in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Jharkhand’s Finance Minister, Radhakrishna Kishore, prominently raised this issue before Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the Center to provide the overdue amount.
He also requested the Central government to provide special central assistance to the state for the next five years, as grants under this head have been discontinued. This funding is crucial for the development of Naxal-affected districts. Kishore also emphasized the need for expressways between Ranchi-Patna and Ranchi-Kolkata to boost economic activities in the state.
Finance Minister Mentions Hemant Soren
Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the coalition government is firmly committed to the comprehensive development of Jharkhand. The state government has a multifaceted plan and a long-term vision for the state’s overall development. However, the state is unable to meet development goals solely through its internal revenue sources.
For the holistic development of this tribal-dominated state, financial assistance from the Central government is essential. Kishore urged the Center to release ₹2,900 crores in washed coal royalties, ₹32,000 crores for common causes, and ₹1,01,142 crores for land compensation, totaling ₹1.36 lakh crores in arrears.
Strengthening the Rural Economy
In the conference of finance ministers, Radhakrishna Kishore systematically presented his points. He highlighted that while Jharkhand is rich in resources, its people face poverty. The state’s per capita income is ₹1,05,274. According to the National Rural Health Mission (Phase V), about 65% of women in the state suffer from anemia, and 67% of children under the age of five are malnourished.
Kishore suggested that the livelihood and income sources of small and marginal farmers could be enhanced through animal husbandry and dairy production. The state produces 26.29 lakh metric tonnes of milk annually, compared to the national average of 2,210.64 lakh metric tonnes. Daily per capita milk availability in the state is only 195 grams, compared to the national average of 444 grams. The Central government’s support is essential for promoting dairy, fisheries, and animal husbandry to strengthen the rural economy.
Call for a National Tribal Health Policy
The finance minister emphasized the need for a national tribal health policy to address poverty, malnutrition, and health challenges within tribal communities. He proposed establishing a high-quality medical college and hospital between the tribal-dominated districts of Khunti, Gumla, and Simdega in Jharkhand.
This facility would also focus on researching traditional tribal medicine. Additionally, the state is committed to building a world-class tribal university, combining traditional and modern knowledge. The state expects the Center’s assistance in this endeavor.
Agricultural University in Palamu, Infrastructure Development
The minister demanded the establishment of an agricultural university in Medininagar, Palamu, which has been plagued by recurring droughts. He also stressed the need for Central support to improve transportation infrastructure, noting that most minerals are transported via roadways.
The state has a road density of only 186.69 km per 1,000 square kilometers compared to the national average of 500.84 km. Center’s support is needed to bring the state’s road density to par with the national average. Kishore also called for railway connectivity to the district headquarters of Chatra, Gumla, and Simdega and air connectivity linking Ranchi and Deoghar with major metros for fisheries development.
Addressing Water Crisis, Tourism Development
Kishore pointed out the alarming depletion of groundwater levels in the state. Special economic packages are needed to build water storage facilities on major river basins like Subarnarekha, North Koel, Damodar, Barakar, and Mayurakshi.
He also requested the Center’s financial assistance for the holistic development of minority communities and to include Betla National Park, Ghatshila, Mahuadanr, Netarhat, and Ranchi in a tourism circuit.
Increase Pension Amounts, Modify Railway Funding Ratio
The minister shared that the pension amounts under schemes like the Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension, Indira Gandhi Disability Pension, and Indira Gandhi Widow Pension have remained unchanged since 2012 at ₹200, ₹300, and ₹300 respectively. Considering inflation, these amounts need revision.
Lastly, he urged that the cost-sharing ratio for building rail overbridges be set at 50:50 between the Central and state governments.
