Jharkhand’s presence for the first time in the World Economic Conference 2026 is important in many ways. Jharkhand will not only convey the message of industrial potential and the State of Infinite Opportunity, it will also make it clear that when half the population leads, economies become stronger, people become more resilient to unexpected changes and development is sustainable. Jharkhand’s daughter and co-MLA Kalpana Soren, chairperson of the Women and Child Development Committee of the Jharkhand Assembly, will give a similar message from the global forum in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum to be held in Davos and during her visit to the United Kingdom. Kalpana Soren will represent the state at several high-level forums related to women leadership, gender equality and inclusive development and will prove the self-confidence, entrepreneurship and leadership skills of half the population of Jharkhand. She will share on the global stage the realities and aspirations of women from tribal, rural and economically marginalized communities and show that it is these groups who are now becoming the drivers of economic and social transformation of Jharkhand.
Special emphasis on women empowerment
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand government is doing many works for the upliftment of the women of the state. In the same series, in Davos, Kalpana Soren will address policy dialogues and international forums focused on women’s political leadership, economic participation and equal opportunities for all. These include the BRICS Panel on Women Empowerment, ET Women Empowerment Dialogue and Alliance for Global Good’s ‘We Lead’ platform and official events at the India Pavilion etc. Kalpana Soren will present the state government’s vision towards women’s development at these global forums. She will show that women’s development is not based on symbolic representation, but on economic empowerment and institutional power.
Women strengthening the rural economy
In Davos, the world will be told that through Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Committee (JSLPS), more than 35 lakh women are associated with more than 2 lakh 80 thousand self-help groups in the state. In recent years, loans worth more than ₹ 5000 crore have been sanctioned with the aim of empowering these women and giving impetus to the rural economy. These women are now farmers, entrepreneurs, bankers, artisans and creators of various livelihoods earning a respectable living. In recent years, flagship programs like Lakhpati Didi, Palash, Johar, Jhimdi (JICA supported micro drip irrigation), Adiva and Aajeevika Café have enabled thousands of women to cross the annual income threshold of Rs 1 lakh, thereby proving their leadership potential in strengthening the rural economy of Jharkhand. Palash brand products are now going to Jharkhand retail market as well as global markets, it is expected that by 2026 the turnover under this brand is expected to reach Rs 45 crore. Also, Jharkhand Government is playing an important role in empowering the youth of Jharkhand by giving an amount of Rs 17 thousand crore to lakhs of women every year under the Maiyan Samman Yojana.
Issues of education and skill development will be discussed in UK
After the Davos meeting, Kalpana Soren will participate in various meetings scheduled in the United Kingdom in the next leg of her visit. Under this, round table discussions will be held on education, skill development, climate change and cultural heritage as well as meetings with UK government officials and the overseas Indian community. Along with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Kalpana Soren will meet the youth of Jharkhand pursuing higher education under the Marang Gomke Scholarship. These activities in the coming days will reinforce India-UK’s shared commitment to inclusive growth, women’s leadership and institutional capacity building.
