Ranchi, June 29 (KNN) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday informed that the state government has decided to open a skill development college in Ranchi at a cost of about Rs 300 crore.

Addressing a function where he handed over appointment letters to about 500 students of ITI Skill Development College, he said, “Jharkhand is counted among one of the most backward states in the country but the state government is working hard to remove the state from poverty and backwardness.”

He also said that 80 per cent of the population here lives in villages. They have to face many challenges for livelihood. Keeping this in mind, the government is promoting economic activities in the state, so that rural youth can increase their income by connecting them with self-employment.

During his address, the CM pointed out that the schemes made by government for the strengthening of the rural economy, especially for tribals, dalits, minorities, backward, farmers, labourers, women, youth and the elderly, are showing results.

“For the overall development of the state, we are strengthening the health infrastructure in the state and providing better health facilities to the people along with educating the rural youth,” he said.

The CM said that Azim Premji Foundation and Apollo Group have expressed their willingness to invest in the health sector in the state. Medical colleges and hospitals are to be opened by them. Apart from this, many more hospitals are opening in the state.

“Modern Cancer Hospital has been opened in Ranchi by the Tata Group a few days back. In such a situation, there is a lot of potential for the youth in the field of nursing. Our government has decided that now boys can also do nursing courses. For this, all necessary procedures will be completed soon,” he added.

Key persons present at the event included, Minister of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Department, Champai Soren, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Vandana Dadel, Secretary to Chief Minister, Vinay Kumar Choubey, Tribal Welfare Commissioner, Lokesh Mishra, Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi District, Rahul Kumar Sinha Senior Police Superintendent Kishor Kaushal and CEO of Prejha Foundation Kalyan Chakraborty and many more.  (KNN Bureau)