Dr. Md Tabrez Alam
As Jharkhand celebrates its 24th foundation day, the journey from its birth to its current challenges and future aspirations is one of resilience and hope. It is a significant milestone for the region that has fought long and hard for its identity. From its origins in the freedom struggle to the formation of a state in 2000, Jharkhand’s journey is deeply rooted in the sacrifices of its people and the tireless efforts of indigenous communities.
The story of Jharkhand is a tale of contradictions. While the state boasts a wealth of mineral resources, urban hubs like Jamshedpur, Ranchi and Dhanbad and a growing economy, the realities on the ground often tell a different story. Despite a robust GDP growth and industrial development, much of the population — particularly tribal and marginalised groups — remains mired in poverty, illiteracy and lack of basic infrastructure.
Decades of political instability, inadequate governance and exclusionary policies have left many people feeling disconnected from the very state that was meant to uplift them.
The Birth of Jharkhand: A Legacy of Struggle
Jharkhand’s formation on November 15, 2000, was the culmination of a long-standing demand for a separate state that would address the socio-economic and cultural needs of its indigenous people. The region’s history is a testimony to resistance — first against British colonial rule, led by iconic figures such as Birsa Munda, and later against the exploitation and neglect under the Bihar administration. The formation of the state was not merely a political victory but the fulfillment of a dream of self-determination and justice for the region’s marginalised communities.
However, 24 years on, the state continues to grapple with issues that have long defined its existence: exploitation of its natural resources, land alienation, political instability and poverty. Tribal communities, which make up 26.3% of the state’s population, continue to face displacement due to mining and industrial projects, while many non-tribal communities struggle with inadequate access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
Jharkhand’s Socio-Cultural Mosaic: A Complex Tapestry
Despite its challenges, Jharkhand is a land of cultural richness and diversity. Its tribal communities, which are the heart of the state, have long preserved a unique way of life rooted in their connection to the land. However, it is important to acknowledge the often-overlooked role of non-tribal communities, particularly Muslims, who have made significant contributions to the state’s history and development.
People like Sheikh Bhikhari, who was a prominent figure in the statehood movement, symbolise the vital role that Muslims have played in Jharkhand’s journey. Yet, this community, which makes up 14.5% of the state’s population, continues to face marginalisation, communal stereotyping and underrepresentation in both political and economic spheres.
The story of Jharkhand’s Muslims is a story of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite their significant role in the freedom struggle and the demand for statehood, they often remain sidelined in the state’s political and economic processes. The Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Santhal Pargana, for instance, has long been unjustly labeled as “Bangladeshi infiltrators” despite their historic contributions to the state. This stigmatisation, fueled by divisive politics, undermines Jharkhand’s pluralistic identity and weakens the social fabric of the state.
Political Representation, Socio-Economic Inclusion
While Jharkhand has made strides in some areas, the political representation of Muslims and other marginalised groups continues to be inadequate. Despite making up 15% of the population, Muslims have seen a decline in their political representation, with fewer candidates from the community receiving tickets in recent elections. This lack of political will not only harms democratic principles but also alienates a significant portion of the electorate – depriving them of their rightful voice in governance.
Education, a critical tool for socio-economic advancement, remains another area where systemic neglect is evident. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for Muslims in higher education is alarmingly low, and government policies have only exacerbated this disparity. The conversion of Urdu-medium schools into general schools in 2022, for instance, led to the alienation of many Muslim children. It has further marginalised them from the mainstream educational system. Lack of employment opportunities, along with restricted access to resources, continues to hinder the community’s social mobility.
A Roadmap for Inclusive Development
As Jharkhand moves forward, the need for inclusive development is more pressing than ever. The state’s political landscape remains fragmented by identity-based politics, and systemic inequalities continue to persist, particularly for tribal and minority communities. To address these challenges, Jharkhand must prioritise equitable development by:
- Ensuring Political Representation:Greater efforts must be made to ensure fair political representation for all communities, especially marginalised groups like Muslims, who have long been underrepresented in decision-making bodies.
- Fostering Economic Empowerment:The state needs targeted economic policies that focus on skill development and employment generation for marginalised groups, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
- Strengthening Social Harmony:Countering divisive narratives through community engagement and promoting interfaith dialogue will help preserve Jharkhand’s pluralistic identity.
- Promoting Inclusive Education:The state must strengthen its education system, particularly by supporting Urdu-medium schools and improving access to higher education for marginalised communities.
A Vision for Jharkhand’s Future
While the state has made notable strides in certain areas, much work remains to be done to ensure that its rich cultural heritage and mineral wealth translate into meaningful development for all its people. To realise the dreams of its founders, the state must address systemic inequalities, promote inclusive governance and foster a sense of unity that transcends ethnic and religious divides. Only by doing so can the state truly harness its potential and emerge as a beacon of sustainable progress in India’s federal landscape.
Policy Recommendations
Ensure Political Representation: Encourage equitable representation of all communities in electoral politics.
Foster Economic Empowerment: Develop targeted programs for skill development and employment generation, particularly for marginalised groups.
Strengthen Social Harmony: Counter divisive narratives through community engagement, promoting interfaith dialogue and celebrating Jharkhand’s pluralistic identity.
Promote Inclusive Education: Reinforce and strengthen Urdu schools, improve access to quality education for marginalised communities and address the GER disparity.
(Dr. Md Tabrez Alam recently earned his PhD from IIDS, New Delhi, and is an academic and social activist. His research and writings, including his book, Muslim as Unequal: A Socio-economic Study of Jharkhand, delve into issues of social inequality and the marginalisation of minority communities. He tweets @ktabrezshams. Views are personal.)