Cabinet Meeting is Scheduled Today
The Jharkhand Cabinet meeting is scheduled today to discuss key proposals, including the release of funds for the Manya Samman Yojna. The meeting may also introduce the Grassroot Innovation Internship Scheme and MSME Special Concession Scheme.
Anticipated Turmoil in Jharkhand Assembly Budget Session
The upcoming budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly, starting from 24th Feb, is expected to be tumultuous. Both the ruling and opposition parties are strategizing for the session, with meetings scheduled on 23rd Feb. Key issues, such as gas cylinder subsidies and the shortcomings of the OBC survey, will be raised. The Speaker plans a high-level meeting on 21st Feb to ensure smooth proceedings.
Jharkhand to Build 11 New Fire Stations with Rs. 147 Crore Fund
The Central Government has allocated Rs. 147 crore to the Jharkhand Fire Department for building 11 new fire stations, a state training center, and a control room. The funding, received under the 15th Finance Commission, will modernize resources, including fire tenders and hydraulic platforms. This initiative aims to enhance fire safety and response capabilities, especially in Dhanbad, ahead of summer.
Minister Mandated to Prioritize Purchasing Domestic Coal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal mandated that steel producers must prioritize purchasing domestic coking coal during a meeting with industry leaders in Delhi. If supply is insufficient, imports from allocated countries may occur. This decision aims to revive Dhanbad’s struggling coking industry, which has faced a coal crisis, with many factories operating below capacity or shutting down. Local industry leaders welcomed the move.
Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as New Chief Election Commissioner
Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, confirmed by the Law Ministry. His selection was approved by a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including Home Minister Amit Shah and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Kumar is the first CEC appointed under new legislation, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. Vivek Joshi also joins as a new Election Commissioner.
Rajesh Kumar Appointed Deputy Director of ED Ranchi Zone
Rajesh Kumar has been promoted to Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Ranchi Zone-2, following the transfer of former Deputy Director Devvrat Jha to Kolkata Unit-2. The notification, issued on Monday, reflects a major reshuffle of officials, with Jha having previously been involved in several significant investigations while serving as Assistant Director in Ranchi.
Court will Decide on IAS Pooja Singhal’s Posting Case
The court heard a plea regarding IAS Pooja Singhal’s posting amid her trial for money laundering linked to the MNREGA scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted an application in a PMLA court, with Singhal’s lawyer presenting a response. After arguments, the special judge reserved the order, with a decision expected on 21st Feb.
Hazaribagh Takes Strong Measures Against Crime
In Hazaribagh, the Superintendent of Police held a meeting with station officers to discuss crime control strategies. Key directives included the destruction of illegal opium crops, expedited processing of pending cases, and strict actions against drug trafficking and organized crime. A special campaign will also address social media monitoring and community concerns, ensuring prompt police response to local issues.
Overflowing Fly Ash Pond at BPSCL Poses Serious Health Risks
The fly ash pond at Bokaro Power Supply Company Limited (BPSCL) has reached critical capacity, overflowing and contaminating the Bokaro Steel Plant’s cooling pond with ash-mixed water. This poses risks to steel production and threatens nearby villages with respiratory issues from airborne ash. Protests by locals demanding jobs have halted ash removal, exacerbating the situation and prompting investigations by authorities.
