No starvation deaths under my govt, says CM

JAMSHEDPUR: Chief minister Hemant Soren on Thursday said no starvation deaths have been reported in the state under his government, unlike under previous regimes.

Soren, while addressing a gathering at an Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar (AYASAD) programme in East Singhbhum, said the opposition had done nothing for the poor farmers, youths, elderly and widows despite being in power for over two decades since the formation of the state. “Our government not only keeps track of the problems of the people, but also speaks for the people, and reaches out to them to solve their problems,” he said.

Encouraged by the impressive turnout of the crowd that braced the rain to come to the event, the CM said the government is taking steps to generate jobs, fund support for self-employment schemes, pension to the elderly.

The CM further claimed that several starvation deaths were reported under previous governments despite the deceased having ration cards. “They (previous governments) had deleted the ration cards of 11 lakh people whereas our government has issued 20 lakh green ration cards within our short span in power,” he said.

Soren further said they have lived up to the promises made before the last polls. “In run up to the 2019 assembly polls, I had announced that the government would run from panchayat, not from the state headquarters, should JMM come to power. I have lived up to my words,” he said.

Further, the CM announced that eight lakh houses will be built initially under the Abua Awas Yojana.

Earlier, he laid foundation stones for 353 projects worth Rs 294.85 crore and inaugurated 100 projects worth Rs 53.28 crore. He distributed assets worth Rs 204 crore among 2.26 lakh beneficiaries.

Senior BJP leader of the Kolhan division Dinesh Kumar said Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered the state of Jharkhand 23 years ago. The CM has no right to accuse BJP in any way, he added.

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