Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda Wednesday said that the state would soon become a power hub, producing over 30,000 MW per year.

Koda hoisted the tricolour at the Morabadi grounds here and said: "In the coming years Jharkhand will become a hub in the power sector as it will produce 31,000 MW per year. The power plants planned in the state will produce 2,000 MW, centre-planned plants will produce 4,000 MW and the rest will be produced by the private sector by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan."

The chief minister also distributed appointment letters to nearly 15,000 people for jobs in different sectors including the National Rural Employment Scheme.

Seven police personnel were honoured with medals for their outstanding performance while fighting with Maoist rebels.

Koda then enumerated his government's achievements in different sectors like developing eco tourism and promoting dairy farms.

Jharkhand governor Syed Sibte Razi hoisted the national flag in Dumka, the sub capital of the state, marking 60 years of India's independence.

Schools and colleges in cities and rural areas too hoisted the tricolour despite threats from Maoists. Over 100 prisoners, including those serving life terms, were released from jails across the state on the occasion.