Seeking to reposition Jharkhand as a destination for knowledge-driven investment rather than merely a mineral-rich state, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday launched a two-day National Stakeholders Consultation to seek industry feedback on six draft policies covering industrial investment, artificial intelligence (AI), tourism, textiles and public-private partnerships.
Addressing policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts at the inaugural session, Soren said the state’s future growth would depend on innovation, research and human capital as much as its abundant natural resources.
“Jharkhand’s identity should not be limited to mines but should also be defined by minds. We must move beyond extraction towards innovation and build a knowledge-based economy,” the Chief Minister said, outlining his government’s vision for the state’s long-term economic transformation.
The consultation, jointly organised by the state’s Information Technology, Industries and Tourism departments, is aimed at refining the government’s proposed policy framework before it is placed for Cabinet approval. Draft concept papers on the Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, AI Policy, Tourism Policy, Textile Policy, JIADA Regulations and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy were presented before stakeholders for suggestions.
The first day’s deliberations focused on artificial intelligence, digital governance, emerging technologies and strengthening Jharkhand’s digital ecosystem. Representatives from leading technology companies, including Microsoft, Google and IBM, shared recommendations on improving the state’s investment climate, digital infrastructure and technology adoption.
A Business-to-Government (B2G) interaction was also held to explore partnerships in IT, AI and digital governance, with discussions centred on attracting investments, creating employment and positioning Jharkhand as a competitive destination for high-value industries.
Soren said the consultation reflected the government’s commitment to participatory policymaking and asserted that the final policies would incorporate industry feedback to make them more practical and investor-friendly.
“Our objective is not merely industrial growth but inclusive and sustainable development that generates employment and improves livelihoods,” he said.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar said technology would play a central role in achieving Jharkhand’s development goals, while Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh and senior officials outlined the state’s strategy for creating an enabling ecosystem for investors.
The consultation, which concludes on Wednesday, is expected to culminate in discussions on the draft industrial and textile policies and the signing of several investment agreements aimed at accelerating industrial development in the state.