Jharkhand's Poverty Puzzle: can elections bring change?

Jharkhand is making headlines as the state gears up for its much-awaited assembly elections this November 2024. The polls, to be held in two phases from November 13 to 20, will decide the fate of 81 legislative assembly seats. The focus of the elections is on key issues like development, employment and tribal welfare. The result will not only shape the future of Jharkhand but will also have a significant impact on the national political landscape.

Jharkhand is ready for a direct contest between NDA and India Bloc. The India Bloc led by Hemant Soren, who is also the current Chief Minister, wants to retain its hold on the state. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA is trying to wrest control from JMM.

Heavy Hitters

The INDIA block is gearing up for the Jharkhand elections with a strong alliance of four major parties – Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Indian National Congress (INC), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) (CPI-ML).

The INDIA bloc has finalised its seat-sharing formula. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) will contest on 43 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) will field candidates on 30 seats. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will contest on six seats, and Left parties will field candidates on three seats.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has also formed a strong joint front, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United) (JDU), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV). The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Jharkhand has also finalized its seat-sharing arrangements for the elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest on 68 seats, All-Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) on 10 seats and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] on two seats, while Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [ LJP (RV)] will contest from one seat.

Jharkhand's Journey to Statehood

Jharkhand, the 28th state of India, was formally established on November 15, 2000, the birth anniversary of the great tribal leader Lord Birsa Munda. This resource-rich state, composed of southern Bihar, boasts an impressive range of minerals including uranium, mica, bauxite, granite, gold, silver, graphite, magnetite, dolomite, fireclay, quartz, feldspar, coal (32% of India's reserves), iron, and copper (25% of India's reserves).

With more than 29% of its landmass covered in lush forests and woodlands, Jharkhand has one of the highest forest-to-land ratios in India. The creation of the state was the culmination of a long struggle fought primarily by the tribals or Scheduled Tribes demanding recognition and self-rule, marking an important milestone in the federal history of India.

Jharkhand is a treasure trove of minerals, being the second-largest producer of mineral wealth in India after Chhattisgarh. This eastern state is rich in a variety of minerals including iron ore, coal, copper ore, mica, bauxite, graphite, limestone and uranium.

The state has about 40 percent of the country's total mineral reserves, making it a significant contributor to India's mining industry.

Some of the major minerals found in Jharkhand include - Energy Minerals: Coal, Uranium; Ferrous Minerals: Iron Ore, Manganese Ore; Non-Ferrous Minerals: Copper Ore, Bauxite, Graphite; Industrial Minerals: Limestone, Dolomite, Mica; and Precious Minerals: Gold Ore, Quartz, Feldspar

Triggers

Jharkhand is rich in mineral resources yet struggles with poverty and the elections highlight its potential to bring positive change. The state's poverty rate and economic challenges are significant concerns, with Jharkhand being the second poorest state in India. Despite being rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore and limestone, Jharkhand is surprisingly the second poorest state in India.

Jharkhand's lack of industrialization and job opportunities has exacerbated poverty. With an economy mainly based on agriculture, the state faces numerous challenges, including limited industrialization, brain drain, tribal disparities and economic disparities.

Over the years, Jharkhand has been battling the debilitating effects of underdevelopment, manifested in widespread poverty, malnutrition and limited access to education and employment opportunities, health care, which ultimately leads to crisis migration. The main reason for this decline is political instability and short-sighted leadership, which has hindered the progress of the state.

Ways to beat

To overcome these challenges, Jharkhand needs sustainable development, inclusive policies and visionary leadership. By addressing these issues, the state can unleash its potential and improve the lives of its people.

The state's mineral resources, which include coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite and limestone, can be a valuable asset if managed efficiently. Jharkhand has the potential to contribute significantly to the country's GDP, but this requires effective governance and strategic planning. Some key areas that need attention include:

• Industrialization: The development of industries utilizing the state's mineral resources can create employment and stimulate economic growth.
• Education and Healthcare: Investing in these areas can improve the overall well-being of the population and reduce inequalities.
• Tribal Development: Addressing the unique challenges faced by tribal communities can help reduce inequalities.
• Infrastructure Development: Building roads, railways, and other infrastructure can facilitate economic growth and connectivity.

By focusing on these areas, Jharkhand can break the cycle of poverty and become a thriving state by leveraging its mineral wealth to improve the lives of its people.