soren-attacks-centre-for-privatisation-flawed-policies

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren sharply criticised the Central government's industrial policies and the privatisation of public sector entities during a teachers’ appointment letter distribution event in Ranchi on Friday.

 

Soren challenged the Centre to transfer the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) to the State Government for revitalisation.

 

"HEC, known as the mother of industries, is in a dire state today. When it was established, it employed 25,000 to 30,000 people. Now, the workforce has dwindled to around 10,000-11,000, with meagre salaries. Who is responsible for saving this industry? It isn't the state's job; it's beyond our capacity. But if the Central government hands it over to us, we can restore employment to 32,000 people," the CM declared.

 

Soren condemned the privatisation of public assets, stating, "Airports, railways, and ports have all been sold. The economy is in such a poor state that our rupee is devalued compared to the dollar. A scholar once said that when the ruler is a businessman, the people will always be beggars. This is our current reality."

 

He further criticised the Central government's push towards privatisation and corporatization, claiming it has led to significant job losses. "The largest industries that received the most funds from the treasury provided the least employment.

 

Many small and medium industries closed during the pandemic due to government policies and haven't reopened since, leaving many unemployed," Soren added.

 

The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact of new laws on industries employing marginalised communities, stating that the government's actions have led to the closure of these industries and ignored the protests of affected youth. "These youth protest, but the government ignores them, placing the burden on state governments," he said.

 

Soren emphasised his administration's efforts to create maximum employment for the youth in Jharkhand. He challenged previous state rulers to debate their achievements against his government's record over the past five years. "We are ready to present our record. Despite their conspiracies, the court's order has validated our efforts," he concluded.