On the 161st anniversary of Santhal Hul, one of the first ever freedom struggle against the British rule in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Raghubar Das dedicated public welfare schemes worth Rs10,823 lakh to the State on Thursday.
“The winds of change are blowing from the forests of Saranda in Chaibasa to banks of Ganga in Sahebganj. No one can stop this change. Eradicating backwardness from Santhal Pargana will be true homage to Santhal Hul,” said Das during a ceremony at Sahebganj on Wednesday.
The entire State is grateful to the great heroes of Santhal Hul, added the CM. As a token of gratitude, he honoured descendants of Hul martyrs Sidho and Kanho and handed them keys to homes built for them. Rupachand Murmu, Bhagwat Murmu, Raska Murmu, Rameshal Murmu, Sumi Tudu, Chunda Murmu, Bada Mandal Murmu, Barka Murmu, leela Murmu, Chota Bhado Murmu and Ram Murmu received the keys to their new homes.
“Poverty eradication has been limited to slogans alone in State but we have taken some substantial steps in this direction. I believe that by spreading education, de-addiction and keeping away from loans, people from rural areas can develop themselves and we can be rid of poverty,” Das said.
“Intoxication will be brought about with public awareness and not laws alone,” said the CM. People should opt for Pradhan-Mantri Mudra Yojna for loans instead of going to loan sharks, he added.
Families who are above poverty line but have been included in list of below poverty line families should immediately surrender the benefits they are availing by virtue of this mistake, appealed Das. CM stated that the poor welfare fairs should be convened regularly so that people in need get to know about State-run welfare schemes for them.
Taking potshots at the factions opposing State Domicile Policy, Das said, “The new local policy gives local people and tribal youth have been given the right to claim jobs at district level. Tribal interests will not be violated under this Policy, but will natives of the State will have more opportunities as compared to earlier.”
Adding tribal languages in competitive examination has created new avenues, stated Das. 17,000 teachers have been appointed all over Jharkhand and 18,000 more will be appointed this year, he said.
“Sahebganj will be the smartest city in Jharkhand. With ports or basic infrastructure, Sahebganj will be developed as a modern and digital city. Sahebganj and Rajmahal will be restored to their former glory,” Das said.
On this occasion, appointment letters were distributed among newly elected village Pradhans from districts under Santhal Pargana. Be it ‘Mukhiya or Mukhya-Mantri’ no is above the law, development is the first and last priority, said Das.