New Delhi/Ranchi: The third‑day National Conference of Secretaries, held from 26‑28 December in the capital New Delhi, focused on “Human Capital for a Developed India” on its second day, with extensive discussion on empowering human resources for the country’s comprehensive and sustainable development. The conference specially highlighted five key areas: early childhood education, school education, skill development, higher education, and sports and co‑curriculum activities. These areas were underscored as the strong foundation for India’s future. At this national conference, senior officials from Jharkhand Government, including Secretary of the State Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Transportation Department Secretary Kripananand Jha, Planning and Development Department Secretary Mukesh Kumar, Special Secretary Rajiv Ranjan, and others, actively participated. During the conference, innovations and effective initiatives adopted by various states in human resource development were shared. “The efforts undertaken by the Jharkhand Government for the holistic development of children aged zero to three years were especially highlighted. Through the Mother‑Child Protection flipbook implemented in the state, parents and caregivers are provided simple, uniform, and practical information on child care, nutrition, and early learning. Meanwhile, Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers visit homes to provide services related to health, nutrition, and early child development and to raise awareness.” The Jharkhand Government has also taken effective measures to improve the quality of education. In line with the National Education Policy 2020, the state’s Teacher Professional Development Program strengthens a continuous training system based on teachers’ needs. Under this program, a Teacher Needs Assessment is conducted every six months, and targeted, personalized training is provided to teachers accordingly. In the first phase conducted in April 2024, out of 110,094 registered teachers, 99.26% participation reflected the widespread acceptance and effectiveness of this initiative. This national conference of Secretaries is proving to be an important and decisive step, strengthening cooperation between the center and states, and effectively implementing policies towards achieving the goal of a developed India.
