Udit Vani, Ranchi: A high-level meeting on investment and industrial development was held today between Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. After the meeting, both leaders shared their views with the media, outlining discussions and future intentions based strictly on the deliberations held.
Hemant Soren on Tata Group’s presence
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that, as everyone could see, Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran was present among them today and had visited Jharkhand several times in the past. He noted that today’s discussion was a more formal interaction.
The Chief Minister further stated that the Tata Group has a distinct global identity and operates a wide range of institutions under its umbrella, reflecting its strong reputation and extensive presence across sectors.
Chandrasekaran on meeting with the Chief Minister
Addressing the media, N. Chandrasekaran said it was a great pleasure to meet the Chief Minister. He said the meeting lasted for nearly two hours and included discussions on various plans envisioned by the Chief Minister for the development of the state. He reiterated that the Tata Group’s beginnings were in Jharkhand and that from here it expanded not only across India but across the world.
Tata Group’s emotional connect with Jharkhand
Chandrasekaran said that the Tata Group feels at home in Jharkhand. He mentioned the presence of a large Tata Steel plant in the state, along with Tata Motors and Tata Auto Components. He said the Group wants to partner with the state in many initiatives and contribute wherever possible to Jharkhand’s development.
Plans to open hotels in the state
He stated that the Tata Group definitely wants to open some hotels in Jharkhand. According to him, Ranchi is being looked at first, followed by other locations in the state.
Focus on skill development
On skill development, Chandrasekaran said a lot of work still needs to be done. While some initiatives are already underway, he noted that the state has plans for much larger programmes. He said the Tata Group would partner with the state to upgrade existing skills and create new ones on a much larger scale in Jharkhand.
CSR footprint to be expanded
Chandrasekaran said the Tata Group would also increase its CSR footprint in Jharkhand. While Tata Steel is already undertaking extensive CSR work, support will also come from the Group centre and other companies to enhance CSR efforts in priority areas identified by the state.
₹11,000 crore investment in advanced technology steel
He announced that Tata Steel has committed another ₹11,000 crore of new investment for developing advanced technology steel. He said this technology would help process steel faster while reducing carbon emissions. Chandrasekaran added that Tata Steel has pioneered and developed this technology and that the first investment would be made in Jamshedpur. He described it as a very important project, noting that Tata Steel’s global footprint would allow the technology to benefit other steel companies as well.
Hydrogen truck investment at Tata Motors
Chandrasekaran also said that Tata Motors is making new investments in hydrogen trucks at its Jamshedpur plant. He termed it a strategically important investment and said that if the technology is developed successfully, its scope would extend beyond India to the global market.
Exploring knowledge-based industries
He added that the Chief Minister has expressed interest in the Tata Group doing something in the knowledge-based industry as well. Chandrasekaran said this would be thought through as part of an ongoing engagement with the Jharkhand government, the Chief Secretary and company officials. He said a small expert group would be formed to explore additional initiatives that could contribute to the state’s development and benefit everyone involved.
