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United News of India

Jharkhand Chamber Executive Meet calls for industrial boost in Santhal Region

Sahibganj, July 21 (UNI) The 11th executive committee meeting of the Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce was held today in Sahibganj under the chairmanship of Chamber president Paresh Gattani. Hosted by the Eastern Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the meeting saw participation from a 14-member delegation. Local traders raised key issues including the lack of an industrial area, poor train connectivity, inadequate healthcare, sanitation concerns, and imposition of Khasmahal land laws. Discontent was also expressed over illegal truck entry charges by the municipal council. Eastern Chamber president Rajesh Agarwal lauded the Chamber's intervention in halting agriculture tax collection and sought continued support to address policy bottlenecks affecting trade in the district. Describing Santhal Pargana as a region full of potential, business leaders demanded its declaration as an Industrial Thrust Area. Suggestions included setting up agro-based industries, food processing units, spiritual tourism circuits, textile and pharma hubs in Sahibganj, Godda, and Pakur. Gattani said, 'To make Jharkhand prosperous, Santhal Pargana must be empowered.' He underlined Sahibganj's mineral wealth, maize cultivation, and tourism potential. Secretary General Aditya Malhotra added that industrialisation in the region could curb migration. Regional VP Ramesh Kumar demanded a Lohardaga–Bharno–Gumla rail line and flagged toll collection issues. Objection was also raised against a proposed 5% electricity surcharge. Traders were urged to file formal protests. During the meeting, executive member Rohit Poddar contacted civic officials for drain cleaning, with assurance of action within a week. Earlier, delegates paid tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and held a city tour. A regional convention was also held with participation from all six Santhal districts. UNI XC BM