Ranchi — Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya on Wednesday called on the central government to grant Jharkhand special category status, citing the state’s rich mineral resources and distinct socio-economic challenges.
Speaking at a press conference, Bhattacharya welcomed the members of the 16th Finance Commission to Jharkhand and emphasized the state’s significant contribution to India’s economy, particularly through its mineral output. He highlighted that railway divisions like Dhanbad and Chakradharpur rank among the highest revenue generators, further underlining Jharkhand’s importance at the national level.
Bhattacharya detailed the geographical difficulties that hinder development, pointing out that many of the state’s villages are located on or between hills and are surrounded by forests, agricultural land, and mineral reserves. He said that while mining brings economic benefits, it has also caused widespread displacement, social disruption, and forced migration of local workers to other states.
He raised serious concerns about the environmental and health impacts of mining, citing radiation risks in Jadugoda due to uranium extraction and pollution-linked illnesses in areas like West Singhbhum.
Despite these hardships, Bhattacharya said Jharkhand remains deeply committed to contributing to India’s growth. He called for the state to be granted special status under Article 16 of the Constitution, which would allow for increased central assistance. He also criticized the limited railway infrastructure, stating that premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi offer poor connectivity to the region.
To address Jharkhand’s development needs, he proposed a revised cost-sharing model where the central government covers at least 75% of project expenses, leaving the state responsible for just 25%—similar to the funding structure for northeastern states.
Bhattacharya also pointed to ongoing state government initiatives aimed at improving education and social security in remote tribal areas but emphasized that more investment and federal support are needed.
In closing, he urged the Finance Commission to acknowledge Jharkhand’s unique challenges and ensure that it receives the special category status and financial backing required for equitable and sustainable development.