Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Unveils New Internship Scheme, Calls Education the State’s Growth Engine
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reaffirmed that education remains the cornerstone of Jharkhand’s development. Speaking at an event in Ranchi, he launched a fresh initiative aimed at nurturing grassroots innovation while interacting with beneficiaries of the state’s flagship student credit card program.
New Grassroots Innovation Internship Program Announced
The newly introduced Grassroots Innovation Internship Scheme is designed for graduate and postgraduate students. Under this two-month program, participants will gain hands-on experience working in rural communities while continuing their academic pursuits. Each intern will receive a stipend of ₹10,000 as an incentive for their contribution to field-level projects.
This initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world problem-solving in rural settings. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local challenges and propose practical solutions, fostering a culture of innovation at the community level.
Financial Barriers Must Not Derail Student Ambitions
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that financial constraints often prevent talented young people from achieving their goals. He pointed out that the Guruji Students Credit Card scheme was conceived precisely to address this issue, ensuring that merit and aspiration are not limited by economic circumstances.
Launched two years ago, the credit card scheme provides education loans of up to ₹15 lakh at an affordable annual interest rate of just 4 percent. The loan covers higher education across disciplines including engineering, medicine, and other professional courses. Repayments begin only one year after course completion, and the state government acts as the guarantor for all loans under this program.
Scheme Highlights at a Glance
- Education loans up to ₹15 lakh for higher studies
- Low interest rate of just 4 percent per annum
- EMI payments commence one year after course completion
- State government serves as the official guarantor
2,430 Students Already Benefited
The Principal Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department shared key statistics about the scheme’s reach. To date, 2,430 students have received loans totaling ₹200 crore. On the day of the event itself, loans worth ₹12 crore were approved for 55 additional students, demonstrating the program’s continued momentum.
The Chief Minister proudly noted that Jharkhand is the first state in the country to offer such substantial education loans at such a competitive interest rate. He encouraged students to aim high, stating that the government’s goal is to prepare them to excel at both national and international levels.
Broader Educational Initiatives Underway
Beyond the credit card scheme, the state government has rolled out several other measures to strengthen the education sector. These include full scholarships for students pursuing higher studies abroad, establishment of libraries in every district, and the introduction of Chief Minister’s Schools of Excellence across the state.
Highlighting the transformative impact of these policies, the Chief Minister noted that students from tribal and Dalit communities are now pursuing education overseas—a prospect that was previously beyond their reach. He described this as a significant step toward inclusive growth and social empowerment.
Tribute to Shibu Soren
The event was organized to mark the 82nd birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister and the current CM’s father, Shibu Soren, affectionately known as Guruji. Remembering his father, Hemant Soren remarked that although Guruji is no longer physically present, his ideals, struggles, and spirit of sacrifice continue to inspire the state’s journey forward.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister also launched a chatbot and dashboard for the Guruji Students Credit Card scheme, aimed at making the application and tracking process more accessible and transparent for students. Additionally, under the Chief Minister’s Fellowship program, 23 research scholars received their first installment of ₹25,000 each, further supporting advanced academic pursuits in the state.
