Ranchi, Jharkhand – Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday inaugurated a new, free coaching institute for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Jharkhand. The facility aims to prepare students for critical national-level entrance examinations in medical (NEET) and engineering (JEE) fields.
The institute, officially named the Dishom Guru Shibu Soren Engineering (JEE) and Medical (NEET) Coaching Institute, is situated within a welfare department building in Hindpiri, Ranchi. It will offer specialized coaching to an initial cohort of 300 selected students. This educational initiative operates under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, involving collaboration between the state government and Motion Education.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Soren highlighted the institute’s significance for tribal youth. He stated, "A new chapter has been added to uplift our upcoming generation." Soren emphasized the institute’s specific goal: to help tribal students successfully crack competitive examinations for entry into medical and engineering courses. The first batch comprises 300 students, with 168 identified as girls.
Comprehensive Government Educational Support
Chief Minister Soren also used the occasion to detail the Jharkhand government’s broader commitment to educational advancement. He outlined several ongoing schemes explicitly designed to support poor, deprived, and tribal students. These programs collectively aim to enhance educational access and improve future opportunities for these communities statewide.
- Savitribai Phule Scheme: This program specifically targets and provides support to girl students across Jharkhand, encouraging their continued education.
- Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships: The state offers various scholarships to aid students at different educational levels. Approximately 30 students currently benefit from these financial assistance programs.
- Chief Minister Schools of Excellence: Eighty such schools are now operational, delivering an educational standard equivalent to private institutions. The government has plans to establish an additional 100 Schools of Excellence in the near future.
- Guruji Students Credit Card: This scheme provides educational bank loans up to Rs 15 lakh for students pursuing higher education. The financing is available at a nominal interest rate of 4% , significantly reducing financial barriers.
- District Libraries and E-Library: Plans are underway to establish a dedicated public library in each district, ensuring comprehensive access to study materials. Complementing this, an e-library facility is also available, providing extensive digital educational resources.
Institute Expansion and Oversight
Chief Minister Soren called upon the welfare department and the private agency, Motion Education, to explore opportunities for expanding the institute’s capacity. He specifically requested the creation of an additional batch for meritorious students who, despite their aptitude, did not secure admission in the initial selection process. This expansion aims to ensure broader inclusion for high-achieving students within the tribal community.
Tribute to JMM Founder
Before the formal inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Soren unveiled a life-size statue of JMM founder Shibu Soren on the institute’s campus. He offered floral tributes in honor of the former chief minister. Shibu Soren, a pivotal political leader in Jharkhand, passed away on August 4 at the age of 81.