14 yrs of faulty planning dragged J'khand backward: CM

Chief Minister Raghubar Das rapped the previous Governments in Jharkhand for lacking in proper planning about development of the State and stressed on rectification in work culture prevailing at all levels here.Speaking on the occasion of inauguration of ‘Yojana Bhawan’, the new building housing planning and related departments under one roof on Friday, the Chief Minister said, “Jharkhand got separated way back in 2000 but I would admit here that no proper planning could take place for development of the State in last 14 years. My intention is not to blame anyone but it is a fact. What we need now is to do planning at local level and we have in fact started the exercise well in advance.”

He cited recent rectifications done in budget making practice under which the exercise would start in September itself for 2016-17. Also, consultations at local level, especially in tribal areas would take place so that their problems and solutions can be reflected in the annual plan.“The State has seen 800 per cent growth in its plan size since 2000. Thus, we need equally competent environment as well to deal with the challenges coming in the way. Soon, the meeting of newly formed State Development Council would take place. We have cut down the number of departments from 43 to 31 and decentralisation of sanctioning power has also been made,” said the CM mentioning about some of the reforms taken place in administrative functioning under the new dispensation.

The chief minister got backing from Urban Development Minister CP Singh, who claimed that presence of new government and modified work culture can now be perceived everywhere. “Biggest example of this the excellent building that got constructed in a record time and with such a great design and facilities,” said Singh in his address. Ranchi MP Ram Tahal Chaudhary and Hatia MlA Naveen Jaiswal were also present on the occasion. 

At the same time, Das stressed over the need to change the mindset prevailing in the system and called on ministers, officials, employees to join hands in the process of State building. “Mindset has not changed yet. Files move round and round. There should be life in files. People are waiting for 14 years and are desperate for development,” said the CM. 

Chief Secretary Rajiv Gauba rated the ‘Yojna Bhawan’ as the most important address in the State’s administration. “This holds immense significance in our administrative setup. Now when we have such an amazing structure, innovative things should take place here for the wellbeing of the people of State. Jharkhand’s future run is going to be decided from here,” said the Chief Secretary.

‘Yojna Bhawan’ would house all the important departments such as Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Health, Planning and Development, Industry, labour, Forest, Energy, Higher and Technical Education under one roof which is expected to make their functioning and plan making exercise smoother.  

The brand new structure has come up at the cost of `25 crore and is spread over 1.42 lakh square feet area. The three-storey building has 52 rooms at first floor, 46 at second and 47 at third along with three conference halls with 110 seating capacity each.