Our readers can regularly read a curated list of major and important news related to the industrial, political, and administrative sectors of Jharkhand, as published in various state newspapers, on our website. Stay updated with the latest developments and key stories from across the state. Todays highlights are:
Cabinet Ministers Review Key Departments
A week after taking office, several of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s ministers, including Irfan Ansari (Health), Sanjay Yadav (Labour), Chamra Linda (SC/ST Welfare), and Shilpi Neha Tirkey (Agriculture), conducted review meetings. They issued directives on improving healthcare services, strengthening rural infrastructure, enhancing agricultural support, and improving welfare programs for tribal communities.
Jharkhand Govt Forms Committee to Investigate Allegations by Central Agencies
The Jharkhand Government has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate allegations made by central agencies like ED, CBI, and Income Tax. The committee, led by senior officials from the Cabinet Secretariat, will review legal aspects, actions by officers, and required legal measures. It will also coordinate with departments to ensure proper follow-up on cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Ministers’ Aide Will Appoint After Police Verification
The Jharkhand Government is now requiring police verification before appointing ministers’ personal secretaries. Although several ministers have submitted recommendations, the final appointments will only be made after background checks. The decision follows concerns raised by the Chief Minister over controversial staff members, especially after the scandal involving a former minister’s aide and corruption allegations.
Jharkhand Students Gear Up for Protest Over Exam Results Â
The Jharkhand Police’s Special Branch has warned DCs and SPs in Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur about a major student protest planned for 15th Dec. The demonstration opposes the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission’s release of Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam results, while the matter is pending in court. Over 5,000 students are expected to participate, backed by political groups.
Jharkhand Chamber Pushes for New Flight Services and Airport Improvements
A delegation from the Jharkhand Chamber met with Birsa Munda Airport Director to discuss enhancing passenger services. They urged the introduction of flights to cities like Jaipur, Goa, and Surat. Concerns were raised about frequent flight cancellations in winter due to fog. The delegation also requested better parking and proposed improved rail connections from Ranchi.
Alka Tiwari Attends 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries
The 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, focused on enhancing coordination between the Center and States, began in Delhi. Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary, Alka Tiwari, led the state delegation. The conference aims to foster entrepreneurship, skill-based employment, and sustainable development, with special sessions on topics like renewable energy, urban development, and self-reliance in agriculture.
Nine Senior DSPs to be Promoted to IPS
Nine senior officers from the Jharkhand State Police Service will be promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS). The State Government has expedited the process, and the names of 17 eligible officers, including Radha Prem Kishore, Mukesh Kumar, and Nisha Murmu, are being sent to UPSC. The process includes updating their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) and other documents.
Vinay Kumar Appointed New DGP of Bihar
Vinay Kumar, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar. He replaces Alok Raj, who has been given the role of Director General of Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation. Alok Raj’s additional responsibility as DG of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau has been handed to Jitendra Singh Gangwar.
42 Coal India Mines Shut in 5 Years
Over the past five years, Coal India has closed 42 mines, including 30 underground and 12 open-pit mines. Notably, none of BCCL’s mines are affected, but ECL’s Mugma region, including Gopinathpur, and WCL’s 18 mines are listed. The Ministry of Coal is working to reopen these mines under the MDO model.
Tasara Project Expansion Picks Up Pace
The expansion of Steel Authority of India’s (SAIL) Tasras Open Coal Project is set to accelerate with the acquisition of 41.11 acres in Asanbani village, Dhanbad. The land acquisition will impact 448 families, who will receive compensation and other benefits. Additionally, affected families will be given employment opportunities or monetary compensation based on SAIL’s policies.
CCL Steps into Solar Power Production
CCL has expanded into solar energy production alongside coal mining in Giridih. A 10-hectare solar plant at Jogitand, costing Rs. 29 crore, generating 3.5 MW daily. This electricity supplies both CCL’s operations and the DVC grid. The plant, operational since October 5, marks CCL’s shift toward renewable energy, complementing its coal-based legacy.
Bokaro Steel Township Unveils Advanced Earthing System
The Bokaro Steel Township launched an advanced Chemical Earthing Project, marking a first for the region. Inaugurated by Rajan Prasad, the initiative will install 2,000 chemical earthing systems across 250 electrical substations. The technology ensures enhanced conductivity, durability, corrosion resistance, and environmental safety, providing long-term protection and stability for the township’s electrical infrastructure.
Coal Workers Get 2.20% DA Hike
Coal workers will receive a 2.20% increase in their dearness allowance (DA) from the previous quarter, effective from December 2024 to February 2025. The DA rate will be 20.1%. The increase ranges from a minimum of Rs. 255 to a maximum of Rs. 3000. However, workers’ unions have expressed dissatisfaction, demanding a higher hike and revisions in the calculation formula.
Adani Foundation Treats 10000 Farming Animals in 25 Villages
The Adani Foundation organized a special veterinary camp across 25 villages in Godda and Sahebganj, treated around 10,000 Farming Animals. The camp, attended by local veterinarians, addressed seasonal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, fever, and skin issues. Over 1563 families benefited as the team provided medical care, vaccinations, and advice on livestock health and nutrition.
Hindalco Distributes Nutrition Kits to TB Patients
Hindalco’s CSR department distributed nutrition kits to 60 TB patients in Silli block, aiming to improve their health and recovery. The district TB officer praised Hindalco for its support in the ‘TB-free campaign’ and presented a certificate of appreciation. Hindalco HR head Arun Rai emphasized the company’s commitment to social welfare through such initiatives.
NTPCL Projects Honored for Outstanding Community Support
The Hazaribagh District Commissioner, Nancy Sahay, honored the Chatti Bariatu and Keredari coal projects for their significant contributions during the Ram Navami-2024 and upcoming elections. The projects were recognized for fostering social harmony, maintaining peace, and assisting with administrative needs. NTPCL officials expressed pride in supporting the district and vowed to continue this partnership for community welfare.
Union and RA Mining Management Discuss Workers’ Demands
The Coal Mines Workers’ Union and RA Mining management held an agenda meeting at Bhurkunda, Ramgarh, to discuss workers issues. The union demanded the implementation of Coal India’s pay scale, 8-hour work shifts, CMPF contributions, and regular road watering. The management assured positive action on these demands, including local employment for the unemployed. A strong protest was threatened if demands were not met.
Job Assurance for Displaced Youths at Piparwar Mine, Strike Called Off
In a meeting with the Piparwar GM, displaced youths from local villages discussed job opportunities at the underground mine. The management assured employment for the youths and emphasized a 90% local hiring commitment. Following the positive assurance, the planned strike from December 18 was called off. The meeting focused on addressing local unemployment, health, and development issues.
Appeal for Land Document Submission for Verification
The Chandragupta Coal Mining Project (CCL) has urged landowners from various villages under the project area to submit their land documents for verification at the Chandragupta office at Hazaribagh. The verification is a prerequisite for compensation and employment under the Land Acquisition Bill 2013 or CIL R&R Policy 2012. The project covers several villages, with substantial land acquired in each.
Five Arrested for Firing and Arson at Construction Site
Ranchi police have arrested five individuals involved in a 30th November incident at Shri Ram Enterprises construction site in Rukka, Ormanjhi, where they fired shots and set fire to a tanker. Police recovered firearms, cartridges, and stolen items. The arrested suspects, with criminal histories, were planning further crimes in Hutup, leading to the resolution of multiple cases in Ranchi and Ramgarh.
