Jharkhand Politics: CM Hemant Soren Accuses BJP of Withholding PMAY Funds for Tribal Housing in Garhwa Rally

Garhwa, November 03, 2024: In a charged address at a public rally in the Garhwa assembly constituency, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren leveled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that despite its promises for tribal welfare, the central government has withheld funds allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for tribal communities. Hemant Soren’s statements highlighted ongoing tensions between the state and central governments over the handling of welfare initiatives for indigenous communities in Jharkhand.

CM Hemant Soren Accuses BJP of Blocking PMAY Funds

During his speech, CM Soren criticized the BJP-led central government for allegedly suspending the PMAY funds intended to build homes for tribal populations, a move he claims has hindered housing development for marginalized communities. “While the BJP claims to be working in the interests of tribals, they are simultaneously blocking essential funds meant to improve their living conditions,” Soren said. He underscored that his administration had advocated multiple times for the release of these funds, which remain stalled.

State’s Abua Awas Yojana Aims to Fill Gaps Left by PMAY

In response to these setbacks, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government introduced the Abua Awas Yojana, a state-level initiative aimed at providing housing to those excluded from PMAY due to the fund suspension. Hemant Soren stated that this scheme has enabled the construction of secure three-room houses for thousands of underserved families. He emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring basic amenities for all residents, despite financial and bureaucratic challenges from the center.

Emphasis on Tribal Rights and Welfare Initiatives

Chief Minister Hemant Soren used the rally as a platform to spotlight his administration’s initiatives for tribal welfare, highlighting doubled stipends for Jal Sahiyas, Anganwadi workers, and traditional village leaders known as Manjhi-Munda Pahan. Additionally, Hemant Soren reiterated his call for the recognition of the Sarna Code, a demand for a distinct religious identity for indigenous tribes that has seen significant support among Jharkhand’s tribal communities.

Developmental Projects and Infrastructure Improvements

Apart from welfare initiatives, Hemant Soren touched on various developmental projects under his government’s tenure. He reported advancements in rural infrastructure, including enhanced electricity supply that now reaches villages for up to 22 hours a day – a notable improvement from prior years. Furthermore, his government has offered relief measures for residents facing electricity bill debts, including waivers of up to INR 200,000 and plans for a 200-unit subsidy on power consumption for low-income households.

Economic Relief for Residents and Government’s Commitment

Hemant Soren expressed pride in the steps his administration has taken to improve quality of life for Jharkhand’s citizens, especially its tribal communities. He noted that in addition to bolstering welfare payments, his government has implemented essential economic relief measures to alleviate the financial burden on rural households. The Chief Minister conveyed that the state would continue to push for tribal rights and welfare as central to his administration’s priorities.

The rally served as a stark reminder of the broader political and administrative friction between the state and central governments, with tribal welfare as a focal point of contention.