Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that despite Independence of the nation and creation of separate state of Jharkhand the tribals, dalits and minorities could not make much progress in the area of education.
Addressing a seminar cum workshop over challenges and opportunities in education of tribals and dalits at Social Development ntre he said more reforms were needed in the education sector. He said that the present government is trying to improve the education scenario in the state and is solving the institutional problems.
He accepted the fact that there were many challenges before the government but with the cooperation of all he was hopeful of solving them and the challenges will be converted into opportunities. He said that since centuries the missionaries have been working in the area of development of education and hoped that going forward they will continue their role for the society.
The Chief Minister said it was responsibility on all to take the state forward. He said that after many struggles the state of Jharkhand was carved out and it was the responsibility of the government to strengthen the culture and education of the people.
The Chief Minister said that for all round development of the state he was committed to fulfill his responsibilities with dedication. He said that he has been attached with the tribals, dalits and minorities of the state due to which on numerous occasions he has been asked questions over the development of these communities. He said that from the first day of the formation of the state work has been initiated to address the basic problems.
The Chief Minister said that after due deliberations the state government was moving ahead on new things. He said that in the area of education the government is working with honesty and with the cooperation of all it will come up with long term plans for improving the education sector in the state.
He said that Jharkhand is the first state in the country which is providing scholarships to students of ST and SC communities to study at higher educational institutions in abroad. Further all the students who are passing matric they are also being provided financial assistance.
He said that to provide a platform to the students a tribal university will be set up in the state. He said that many institutions in the state are running ANM and nursing courses in the state and his government has also started these courses for the boys so that they can too be linked with jobs.
Hemant Soren said that the government is also providing loans to the tune of Rs 50,000 to Rs 25 lakh through banks to link them with employment. He said that it is his government which for the first time framed rules for the JPSC and rules have been also framed for better recruitment in the schools. He said that for betterment of education in far flung areas of the state 4,500 schools are being provided facelift.
He said that plans are being prepared to get the women of the state rid of anemia and children from malnutrition. He said that women and children who are battling these issues are being identified as removing the spot of anemia and malnutrition is a priority for the state government. He said that the government has made provisions for providing egg three days in a week to children in schools and Anganwadi centres.
Those present on the occasion also included Bishop Theodore Mascherans, Bishop Vincent Barwa, Bishop Paul Lakra, Sister Lily Topno and others.