Hemant Cabinet Approved 12 Key Proposals
In yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Hemant Soren’s Government approved 12 proposals, including the formation of the Jharkhand MSME Special Exemption Bill 2025. The state will offer special exemptions to MSMEs. Other key decisions include an increase in the Dearness Allowance for state employees and pensioners, and amendments to industrial regulations for improved business ease.
New Industries in Jharkhand Get 3-Year License Exemption
Jharkhand has announced a 3-year exemption from license requirements for new MSME industries to encourage business growth. During this period, businesses will be free from mandatory licenses. The Cabinet also approved the proposal to partnership with Maruti for automotive training. Women workers will also be allowed to work night shifts.
Preparation of the Jharkhand Assembly Budget Session
The budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly will run from 24th Feb to 27th March. Speaker Rabindranath Mahato held a high-level meeting with key officials to ensure smooth proceedings. Discussions focused on timely responses to questions, law and order, and addressing potential disruptions. The session will start with the Governor’s address and will include the presentation of the 2025-26 budget.
15 IAS Officers Transferred, Pooja Singhal Appointed as Secretary
The Jharkhand Government has transferred 15 IAS officers. Pooja Singhal, who was recently reinstated, has been appointed as the Secretary of Information Technology and E-Governance. Other changes include Mastro Ram Meena becoming the Secretary of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Despite ED objections, Singhal’s appointment moves forward after a court hearing.
Sunil Kumar Srivastava Appointed Senior Secretary to CM
Sunil Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as the Senior Secretary (External-Quota) to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, effective from 1st Dec, 2024. Mr. Srivastava, a retired Assistant Engineer, had previously held the same position. The notification was issued by the Personnel Department.
Mining Transport System to Get Overhauled
In Jharkhand, mining vehicles with expired permits or tax defaults will soon be banned from operating. The Mining and Transport Departments have completed preparations to issue transport challans only for vehicles with updated taxes and valid permits. Around 3 lakh defaulter vehicles owe Rs. 300 crore in taxes. The move aims to increase revenue and curb pollution.
High Court to Hear 600-Crore Scam Case
The Jharkhand High Court will hear a petition regarding the Painam Coal Mines alleged illegal mining, resulting in a 600-crore revenue loss. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the state Government’s response and suggested a CBI investigation. The company’s over-mining in Pakur and Dumka districts led to substantial financial loss, prompting the petition for accountability and displaced people’s rehabilitation.
CCL Director Wins Top HR Innovator Award
Harsh Nath Mishra, Director (Personnel) of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), was honored with the Top HR Innovator Award at the World HRD Congress in Mumbai. Recognized for his outstanding innovation and visionary leadership, Mishra has led CCL’s transformative HR and CSR initiatives, promoting employee empowerment, leadership development, and social impact through education, health, and women’s empowerment programs.
Piparwar Sets New Record with 6.5 Million Tonnes of Coal Production
Piparwar, a division of CCL, achieved its 6 million tonnes coal production target for FY 2024-2025 ahead of schedule, hitting the mark by 17th January. By 17th February, it surpassed expectations, producing 6.5 million tonnes, set a new record. With further targets set, the management is preparing for the ambitious goal of 10 million tonnes.
Company Blacklisted for Using Fake Documents
A company obtained a Rs. 44 crore tender from the Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA) using fraudulent documents. Following a Government complaint, an investigation confirmed the forgery. The industry secretary ordered the company to be blacklisted, the tender to be canceled, and show-cause notices to be issued to the tender committee officials involved.
GST Raids on Shivam Steel Group’s Factories in Giridih
GST officials, accompanied by CRPF, raided Shivam Steel Group’s factories, offices, and residences in Giridih on Tuesday afternoon. The operation, involving over 50 officials, continued late into the night. The main factory office was sealed, and documents related to GST compliance were being examined. The group’s owners, Vinod, Pramod, and Shambhu Agarwal, remain unreachable.