Ranchi, Jan. 26: Governor Droupadi Murmu hoisted the national Tricolour at Morabadi grounds in the state capital while chief minister Raghubar Das led Republic Day celebrations in Dumka this morning, both underlining elaborate measures for integrated growth of Jharkhand and Murmu going a step further to issue a certificate of credit to the government.
In her compact 15-minute address, the governor said the state administration was giving maximum priority to agriculture schemes to weed out poverty in the rural hinterland and that a Rs 1,398-crore special package had been approved for farmers to compensate losses triggered by a poor monsoon and a hailstorm last year.
"Farmers are also being given 50 per cent subsidy on diesel for irrigation work. Women are getting 90 per cent subsidy on purchase of milking cows. Another 50 per cent subsidy is available for plantation work under the Mukhya Mantri Jan Van Yojana. Over 80,000 families in remote areas will again be benefited by the new kendu leaf collection policy," she reeled off several welfare measures.
Murmu reminded that steps had been taken to set up ITIs in 10 districts, which were in the grip of Left-wing extremism. Groundwork to launch another 37 ITIs, including 16 for women, on public-private partnership mode has begun. Bokaro is likely to host a model ITI.
"The process to appoint 18,000 schoolteachers has begun. Some 57 blocks that do not have Kasturba Awasiya Balika Vidyalayas will get Jharkhand Awasiya Balika Vidyalayas. Also, the government has taken key steps to curb malnutrition and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking," the governor said.
In Dumka, the chief minister reiterated his government's commitment towards fighting fear, hunger, corruption, crime and extremism. Das elaborated steps being taken to bring about prosperity in the Santhal Pargana region.
"To ensure transparent and prompt services, we have launched several mobile apps. The anti-corruption bureau too is doing a good job. We have formulated new policies and simplified cumbersome laws to boost trade and commerce. Now, people are preparing the state budget for the next fiscal, where schemes involving expenses up to Rs 10 lakh will be executed by panchayati raj bodies," he said.
To boost tourism, Das said, a development map had been drawn up for Maluti Temples in Dumka, Kanchan Cave in Pakur and Trikut Hill in Deoghar. His government has approved construction of 481km roads involving an investment of Rs 1,179 crore to connect tourist places.
Das said transfer of land for setting up a 500-bed medical college and hospital in Dumka had been completed while construction of a queue complex at Baidyanath Dham had begun. Also, around 25,000 individual toilets have been built in Sahebganj district under Namami Gange scheme and 58 villages have become open-defecation free.
"Jharkhand has been ranked first by the World Bank in execution of Nirmal Jal Yojana. It secured third position in the area of ease of doing business. On January 4, I had set up a land bank. The following day, Uday Yojana was launched. We are trying our best to make the poor smile," the chief minister summed up his efforts.
At Jharkhand High Court in the capital, Chief Justice Virender Singh hoisted the national flag. In his brief address, Singh said that 2016 would be known as the "Year of Excellence" in the state judiciary.
Chief secretary Rajiv Gauba unfurled the Tricolour at his official residence today while principal secretary to CM Sanjay Kumar did the honours at Das's office and residence.
The CRPF led Republic Day celebrations in Karampada area of Saranda. Villagers, including schoolchildren, participated and waved mini flags.
Pictures by Hardeep Singh and Bhola Prasad
