Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia said that Jharkhand is a mineral rich State and should use this natural resource optimally for improving the socio-economic standard of the people. He said while doing so, the State should ensure that a transparent and just rehabilitation policy is implemented. Planning Commission is currently engaged in reviewing the mineral policy so as to put in place a policy framework, which accelerates growth in this sector. He said development of infrastructure including roads and rail network was essential to encourage private participation. It was indicated that the mineral policy review will have more emphasis on rehabilitation and environmental issues.
He said the flow of fund from Centre to the State will increase as new programmes including Bharat Nirman, backward region grant fund and employment guarantee act were likely to benefit Jharkhand more. He said the State Administrative Machinery need to be geared up to carry out these programmes within the time schedule. Twenty districts of the State will be covered under backward region grant fund and the State can avail this opportunity in creating irrigation water resource for these districts.
It was pointed out that despite immense natural wealth, the State was among the poorest in the country. High infant mortality and drop out rates was a matter of concern and effort should be made to improve position. Plan expenditure should have more emphasis on agriculture and better quality seeds need to be provided to the farmer. Modernization of power distribution system can substantially reduce T & D losses as a major part of consumption is from bulk consumers. The State should also have emphasis on improving joint forest management and watershed development programme.
Briefing the Commission on development strategy of the government, Chief Minister said that huge investment proposals in sectors like steel and power have been received and emphasis will be to ensure that local population benefits from this. He said skill up gradation will be given priority. Shri Munda said the State has natural advantage in encouraging organic farming and efforts are on to provide marketing network for organic produce. Rainwater harvesting and involvement of NGOs in promoting horticulture were being attempted.
He said private investments were being encouraged in industry, power and housing while public private participation is being attempted in development of infrastructure, health and education sectors. Administration is being made more transparent to ensure people's participation in development programmes and governance being improved through information technology. He said the Centre should help in expediting development of road and rail network, as they are needed for encouraging private participation in mining.