12 Years of Modi Government: Jharkhand’s Journey Towards Development

Atal Ji created it, Modi Ji nurtured it

By Aditya Sahu

Jharkhand is not merely a state—it is the golden soil of tribal identity, struggle, culture, and pride. This land of rivers, hills, and forests has always raised its voice for rights and dignity. After decades of neglect, November 15, 2000 marked a historic moment when Jharkhand was carved out as a separate state on the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. It was the fulfillment of a promise made by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji to millions of people of this soil. 

Atal Ji’s vision was clear: a mineral‑rich and tribal‑majority land like Jharkhand could progress only when governance reflected the aspirations of its people and development reached every village. Yet, between 2000 and 2014, instability plagued the state. Nine governments were formed, and President’s Rule was imposed three times. Projects remained stuck in files, villages lacked roads, and children were deprived of proper schools despite the state’s immense mineral wealth. 

Stability Through Double‑Engine Government

The turning point came in December 2014. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the center and a full majority BJP government in the state, Jharkhand witnessed stability for the first time. Raghubar Das became the first Chief Minister to complete a full five‑year term. 

Between 2014 and 2019, Jharkhand’s average citizen income rose by nearly 29 percent. Capital expenditure almost doubled, mining revenue grew by 73 percent, and exports increased by 130 percent. More importantly, schemes began reaching the grassroots effectively, transforming lives across villages. 

Development Touching Every Household

By April 2019, more than 2.9 million Ujjwala gas connections had been distributed, freeing women from smoke‑filled kitchens. Millions of Jan Dhan accounts connected poor families to banking for the first time. Permanent housing and toilets gave dignity and safety to women. Ayushman Bharat provided free healthcare, while new medical colleges opened in Hazaribagh, Dumka, and Palamu. The foundation of Jharkhand’s first AIIMS was laid in Deoghar. In 2018, Jharkhand was declared the cleanest state in India, with Ranchi included in the Smart City Mission. 

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Railway investment rose dramatically—from an average of ₹457 crore before 2014 to ₹7,306 crore today. The entire broad‑gauge network has been electrified, and Vande Bharat trains now run on key routes such as Ranchi–Howrah and Ranchi–Varanasi. Sahibganj was connected to the national waterway network, while Dhanbad’s Indian School of Mines was upgraded to IIT status. IIM Ranchi’s new campus is complete, and MBBS seats have expanded from 180 to over 1,000. Jharkhand is steadily transforming from a land of minerals to a land of knowledge and opportunity. 

Continued Commitment After 2019

Even after the change of state government in 2019, Prime Minister Modi ensured that development did not falter. Under PM‑Kisan, ₹8,928 crore was transferred directly to 1.8 million farmers. The Jal Jeevan Mission provided 3.1 million new tap water connections, raising coverage from 5.5 percent in 2019 to over 55 percent today. More than 1.6 million houses were built under PM Awas Yojana (Rural), while Ayushman Bharat delivered free treatment to 2.9 million people. The Mudra Yojana supported 15.7 million entrepreneurs, and the “Lakhpati Didi” campaign empowered over 481,000 women to earn more than ₹100,000 annually. 

Tribal Pride and Recognition

The BJP has consistently honored Jharkhand’s tribal identity through policy and intent. Ninety‑one Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned, with 51 already functional. The PM Janman initiative, launched in the name of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, pledged justice for tribal communities long excluded from mainstream development. November 15 was declared Tribal Pride Day, giving national recognition to tribal culture and struggle. 

Conclusion

The experience of the past two decades is clear: Jharkhand’s fastest development and most stable governance came under the double‑engine government. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji gave Jharkhand its identity; Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji gave it development, facilities, and respect. Today, this golden soil stands at the threshold of new opportunities, with the BJP committed to taking Jharkhand to new heights of prosperity and dignity. 

Aditya Sahu, MP 
State President, BJP Jharkhand