The Jharkhand government is exploring the possibility of increasing revenue by replicating effective models adopted in neighbouring states.

“There's nothing wrong in following others if they have an effective model,” state finance minister Rameshwar Oraon told The Telegraph on Sunday, adding they would first study the models adopted in Bihar and Odisha for the purpose.

Jharkhand had even planned to send a team to Odisha last week but it had to be cancelled because of the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the minister said.

“We are now planning to hold an online discussion with Odisha officials soon,” he said.

Asked if the models followed in Bihar and Odisha were better for increasing revenue, Oraon said: “I’m not quite sure and just want to examine at this stage.”

He said there was no reason why Jharkhand's revenues would not increase given the abundance of minerals, forests and other resources in the state.

“There is enough scope but no sincere efforts were ever made since the state was carved out of erstwhile Bihar 20 years ago,” Oraon said.

Jharkhand’s income sources were very limited and it was high time something was done,” the minister added.