Jharkhand Misses Out on Startup Mahakumbh: A Wake-Up Call for the State’s Dying Startup Ecosystem

Ranch: The recently concluded Startup Mahakumbh (April 3rd–5th, 2025) in New Delhi witnessed participation from all major Indian states, including Bihar, showcasing vibrant startup ecosystems and emerging entrepreneurial talent. Unfortunately, Jharkhand failed to participate, marking a concerning low for the state’s innovation and startup landscape.

Bihar and other states used this national platform to attract investors, showcase policy support, and build cross-state collaborations. Jharkhand, on the other hand, stood isolated and silent—its absence signaling the larger issue of an increasingly neglected and dying startup ecosystem within the state.

> “This wasn’t just an event—it was a defining opportunity for states to push job creation, innovation, and investment. Jharkhand’s absence is a loud statement of systemic failure,” said a representative of the Indian Startup Association, which has repeatedly raised the issue with state authorities.

Key Losses for Jharkhand:

No representation at India’s largest startup platform.

No funding or investor interaction for local startups.

No job creation leads for the state’s growing unemployed youth.

No visibility or promotion of Jharkhand’s potential sectors.

Despite launching a new startup policy, the state has not disbursed a single rupee of promised seed funds to startups selected over the past five years. This points to a complete lack of will, capacity, or intent in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Maiya Yojana” Drains Development Funds

Adding to the concern, almost all state funds are being diverted to the newly introduced “Maiya Yojana”, which, while emotionally driven, lacks strategic and financial accountability. As a result:

Payments to government contractors are on indefinite hold.

Infrastructure and entrepreneurship projects are frozen.

Youth-led startups have no runway or survival support.

All economic momentum in the state has stalled.

The scheme, launched with political optics, has become a fiscal sinkhole, affecting long-term economic growth.

Ignored Appeals and Failed Policies

Despite consistent efforts by the Indian Startup Association to engage with the Jharkhand government, no tangible action has been taken. Every representation, proposal, and meeting request has gone unanswered.

> “The government appears disinterested in development. There is no ecosystem building, no mentoring, no jobs being created. The so-called startup policy is a hollow document with no funding, no follow-up,” said the spokesperson.

Call to Action

The Indian Startup Association urges the state government of Jharkhand to

1. Immediately release pending funds to approved startups.

2. Ensure proper representation at national platforms.

3. Review and restructure the “Maiya Yojana” to avoid hampering core development sectors.

4. Set up an empowered task force to implement the startup policy transparently and efficiently.

Jharkhand has talent, ambition, and resources. What it lacks is visionary leadership and accountable governance.