Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Champai Soren revealed that around 5,000 primary schools in rural areas were shut down by the previous BJP administration. He criticized this move, stating that it deprived children from marginalized communities of essential education. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of a degree college in Potka block of East Singhbhum district, Soren lamented the lack of attention given to education by the previous government. He accused the BJP government of neglecting the education sector and closing down thousands of schools, particularly targeting adivasi, dalit, and backward sections of society.

Highlighting the mineral-rich reserves in Potka block, including gold and uranium, Soren expressed disappointment over the region’s underdevelopment despite its resources. He criticized the BJP government for allegedly attempting to destabilize his elected government since he assumed office in 2019. Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, Soren praised his government’s efforts in developing basic infrastructure over the past four years.

Emphasizing the significance of education in fostering development, Soren outlined his government’s commitment to promoting education, providing scholarships, and ensuring access to higher education for all students. He mentioned initiatives to upgrade government-run schools into excellent and smart model schools to deliver quality education and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to higher education.

Additionally, Soren announced plans to offer state-sponsored housing to nine lakh homeless adivasi families under the Abua Awas scheme within the next three months. During the day, he inaugurated three projects and laid the foundation for 100 development projects worth over Rs 119.19 crore. Later, Soren participated in the Baha festival at his ancestral home in Jhilinggora village under Gamariah block of Seraikela-Kharswan and inaugurated a tribal place of worship (Jaherthan) at Kulludih, praying for the welfare and prosperity of the state. He also assured efforts to preserve, renovate, and develop all places of worship in the state.

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