Jharkhand, a state endowed with natural resources and a significant tribal population, is making prominent moves towards sustainable development. The government has decided to put tribal welfare at the heart of its policies, ensuring that sustainable growth reaches the most vulnerable communities. At the centre of this strategy is the effective utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments, set to transform the social and economic landscape of the state.

Strategic Push for Sustainable Growth

In recent months, Jharkhand unveiled a visionary document outlining a roadmap for a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The government declared its ambition to ensure that no community, especially tribals, is left behind during this important transition. This document, called ‘Nav-Nirman Ki Ore Agrasar,’ lays the foundation for an inclusive growth process that balances economic development with environmental responsibility. It maps out eight priority areas: from livelihood and coal transition, energy shift, and green hydrogen, to sustainable mobility and institutional reforms. The aim is to participate actively in India’s net-zero target for 2070 while uplifting the state’s most deprived citizens.

CSR Policy as the Engine of Change

To encourage effective CSR spending and attract more corporate investment for development, the Jharkhand government has brought its first dedicated CSR policy into force. This policy not only provides transparency and helps align efforts between government and corporates, but also puts in place a system that avoids duplication of projects and ensures that funds lead to sustainable, long-term benefits for society and the environment. With the formation of the Jharkhand Corporate Social Responsibility Authority, overseen by the chief minister, the policy ensures that companies now have clear guidance on state priorities, making it easier to design impactful projects for both communities and the economy.

Tribal Welfare at the Forefront

Home to nearly 26% scheduled tribe population, Jharkhand faces unique development challenges. Many tribal regions still struggle with poverty, health, education, and livelihood vulnerabilities. In light of this, CSR investments are being channelled into sectors critical for tribal upliftment, such as healthcare, education, skill development, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. Initiatives like the Jharkhand Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Project are already active in 14 districts, supporting over 130,000 households to improve income, build community institutions, and manage natural resources sustainably.

The government is also focusing on partnership models. A recent collaboration between the state’s Tribal Welfare Commissioner and a social impact NGO, Sanmat, has targeted healthcare and livelihood challenges in 13 districts. This partnership covers work in hard-to-reach tribal areas, with special attention on tackling health issues such as sickle cell anaemia and epilepsy among tribals, alongside supporting maternal and child health through mobile medical units.

Showcasing Model CSR Interventions

Several companies and agencies have adopted villages and set up development projects focusing on holistic growth. Programmes under CSR address various needs—from modernising agricultural practices and building irrigation systems to training women entrepreneurs and creating sources of income outside agriculture. The positive outcomes are visible in reduced migration, greater food security, and improved quality of life for many tribal communities. Over 14,000 farmers trained, 3,800 kitchen gardens created, and nearly 27,000 trees planted mark just a few success milestones for such projects under both state and corporate banners.

A Just and Sustainable Transition

As Jharkhand steps forward on the path of sustainability, its leadership aims to ensure a just transition. The government’s ‘task force for sustainable transition’ is actively studying how to balance the move from coal-based to renewable-based economy with the need to protect both jobs and livelihoods, especially for those in tribal and mining-affected belts. The overall objective is a convergence of economic, social, and environmental development, anchored in equity and inclusiveness.

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