Jharkhand took a significant step towards charting its long-term development strategy as Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated a two-day National Stakeholders' Consultation on Vision 2050 in New Delhi on Wednesday, outlining an ambitious plan to transform the state into a hub of technology, innovation and knowledge-driven industries.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Soren said Jharkhand's future should not remain confined to its rich deposits of coal and minerals. Instead, he stressed that the state must build a new identity based on research, artificial intelligence (AI), digital governance, innovation, and skilled human resources.
Addressing policymakers, industry representatives, technology companies, academicians and subject experts, the chief minister said Jharkhand has played a pivotal role in India's industrial journey through its natural resources, but the next phase of progress should be led by intellectual capital and emerging technologies. He asserted that the state's development agenda would focus on creating an economy driven by ideas, innovation, and inclusive growth rather than relying solely on resource extraction.
The consultation, jointly organised by the state's Information Technology, Industries and Tourism departments, witnessed participation from leading global technology firms, including Microsoft, Google and IBM, along with investors, industry associations and policy experts. Discussions centred on strategies to strengthen Jharkhand's investment ecosystem and prepare it for the rapidly evolving digital economy.
One of the key features of the event was the unveiling of concept papers for several proposed policies, including the Jharkhand AI Policy, Investment Promotion Policy, Tourism Policy, Textile Policy, revised Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA) regulations and a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The draft policies have been circulated among stakeholders to gather suggestions before they are finalised.
Officials said the proposed policy framework is designed to attract investments in sunrise sectors such as artificial intelligence, information technology, advanced manufacturing and digital public infrastructure while generating employment and ensuring balanced regional development.
Representatives of Microsoft, Google, and IBM shared insights on global technological trends and suggested measures to expand Jharkhand's digital ecosystem. Their presentations focused on strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting AI adoption, enhancing governance through technology, improving ease of doing business, and building a skilled workforce capable of meeting future industry demands.
The programme also featured a Business-to-Government (B2G) interaction, allowing industry leaders to engage directly with senior government officials on investment prospects, regulatory reforms and collaborative opportunities in emerging technology sectors.
Soren assured participants that the government would carefully consider the recommendations received during the consultation while finalising the state's policy roadmap. He said continuous dialogue with industry and experts would help formulate policies that attract investment, generate employment, and deliver sustainable, inclusive growth.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar highlighted the importance of technology-led governance in driving socio-economic progress and reaffirmed the government's commitment to using digital solutions to improve public service delivery and boost competitiveness.
The inaugural session was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Industries, Labour and Employment Minister Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudivya Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh and senior government officials.
The two-day consultation is expected to produce key policy recommendations that will shape Jharkhand's Vision 2050, with the state aiming to emerge as a leading destination for digital innovation, technology investment and future-ready economic growth.
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