Jharkhand urged to diversify economy as coal mining jobs dwindle, says Rakesh Mohan

Renowned economist Rakesh Mohan told The Times of India that Jharkhand's heavy dependence on coal mining is becoming a liability as mining jobs continue to shrink. He pointed to recent employment data that show a steady fall in the number of workers employed in the sector, driven by automation, depletion of easily accessible reserves and a national shift toward cleaner energy sources.
Mohan urged the state government to accelerate diversification into manufacturing, renewable energy, services and other growth areas that can absorb the displaced workforce. He emphasized the need for targeted skill‑development programmes and infrastructure upgrades to make Jharkhand attractive for new investors.
Without a timely pivot, the economist warned, the region could face rising unemployment and fiscal pressure on state finances. He called for a coordinated policy response that includes incentives for non‑coal enterprises and a clear roadmap for economic transition.
State officials have already begun preliminary talks on creating such incentives, but Mohan stressed that decisive action is required to prevent a prolonged downturn in the state's labour market.