Azim Premji Showcases Jharkhand's Social Infrastructure Investments at Davos Forum
During the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) gathering in Davos, Switzerland, prominent Indian philanthropist and former Wipro chairman Azim Premji highlighted significant investments in education and healthcare infrastructure for Jharkhand. The state delegation, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, presented comprehensive development priorities to global business leaders and philanthropic organizations, emphasizing a balanced approach to economic growth alongside social sector advancement.
Integrated Education and Healthcare Campus in Ranchi
The Azim Premji Foundation is currently developing a substantial integrated campus in the Itki area of Ranchi district, representing one of the larger social infrastructure projects underway in Jharkhand. This ambitious initiative includes:
- A comprehensive university facility
- A fully-equipped medical college
- A hospital with planned capacity of 1,300 beds
- An associated school for foundational education
Premji emphasized that these investments reflect a long-term commitment to building robust social infrastructure in Jharkhand, with particular focus on strengthening access to quality education and medical services for residents across the state and neighboring regions.
Collaborative Implementation with State Government
During his address at Davos, Premji specifically acknowledged the productive engagement between the Azim Premji Foundation and the Jharkhand state administration. He noted that institutional support from the government has been instrumental in facilitating progress during both planning and implementation stages of these significant projects.
The philanthropist explained that this collaborative approach ensures that initiatives align with state development priorities while benefiting from governmental resources and regulatory frameworks.
Broader Investment Context and Human Capital Development
Beyond specific project details, Premji used the Davos platform to encourage both Indian and international investors to explore opportunities in Jharkhand, particularly in sectors related to:
- Education infrastructure development
- Healthcare facilities and services
- Social infrastructure projects
He articulated that sustained investment in these critical areas plays a transformative role in building human capital and institutional capacity, creating a foundation for long-term regional development and economic prosperity.
Jharkhand's Strategic Engagement at International Forums
Jharkhand's participation in the World Economic Forum represents part of a broader strategy to engage with international stakeholders and showcase the state's policy framework and investment environment. In recent years, the state government has actively pursued dual objectives of attracting private investment while simultaneously expanding public spending on:
- Physical infrastructure development
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable populations
- Social sector institutions and facilities
The integrated campus being developed by the Azim Premji Foundation in Itki, once operational, is expected to significantly enhance Jharkhand's education and healthcare capacity, serving students and patients not only from within the state but also from adjacent regions.
This development comes as Jharkhand continues to position itself as an attractive destination for socially responsible investments that contribute to both economic growth and human development indicators.
