Jharkhand’s New Factory Amendment Rules Introduced
In Jharkhand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore presented the Factory (Amendment) Rules, 2023 in the assembly. Approved by the state cabinet, the amendment allows women workers to work night shifts from 7 PM to 6 AM. Additionally, the Government plans to introduce the Factory (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to simplify business operations and encourage industrial growth.
Center Grants Authority for Mica Policy
The Ministry of Mines has reclassified mica, barytes, feldspar, and quartz from minor to major minerals in Jharkhand’s Koderma region. This move follows the approval of the National Critical Minerals Mission aimed at enhancing the discovery and mining of crucial minerals. The decision empowers the central government to create policies for mining these key minerals, including mica.
MLA Raised Voice or Worker’s Rights in Jharkhand Assembly
In the Jharkhand Assembly, MLA Roshanlal Chaudhary raised concerns about the exploitation of local workers in Barkagaon, Keredari, and Patratu. He highlighted that workers employed by NTPC, JVNL, and other companies have been paid below the minimum wage for the past 10 years and forced to work 12-hour shifts. Chaudhary demanded justice for the workers’ rights.
DMFT Guidelines Revision Urged by MLA Mathura Mahato
JMM’s chief whip Mathura Prasad Mahato raised concerns over the DMFT guidelines, urged for the removal of the 15-25 km revenue usage limit. He called for implementing DMFT works across the entire district, as before. Minister Yogendra Prasad agreed, stating that the current guidelines are not in the state’s best interest and need revision.
Blast Damage Investigation in Jharkhand Mines
In Jharkhand, both the ruling and opposition parties raised concerns over illegal blasts at coal mines in Khalari. Congress MLA Suresh Kumar Baitha highlighted cracks in nearby homes due to the blasts and called for an inquiry. Minister Yogendra Prasad assured that the Government would investigate the damage caused and assess if rules were violated.
Coal India Rejected Job for Dependents of Medically Unfit Workers
In a meeting of Coal India’s Apex JCC, management rejected the demand to provide jobs to the dependents of medically unfit workers. The scheme had been discontinued years ago. However, the provision to offer jobs to dependents of deceased employees remains. Discussions also covered other worker demands, including higher gratuity and accident compensation.
New Leadership at CII Jamshedpur: Nanoti as Chairman, Agarwalla as Vice-Chairman
Abhijit A. Nanoti has been elected Chairman and Vishal Kumar Agarwalla Vice-Chairman of the CII Jamshedpur Zonal Council for 2025-26. Nanoti, an experienced leader from JCAPCPL, and Agarwalla, Director of CTC Group, bring strong expertise to lead the council, focusing on industrial growth, innovation, and community development. Their leadership aims to drive strategic initiatives for economic advancement.
JSPCB Promotes Teak Plantation to Combat Carbon Emissions
The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) plans to launch a teak plantation initiative in rural areas during the monsoon to reduce carbon emissions. Under this program, industries will support rural households with saplings and maintenance, earning carbon credits. This move aims to contribute to India’s 2070 net zero carbon target and foster sustainable development.
Protest Blocked Road for 23 Hours Over Compensation Demand
In Keredari, Hazaribagh villagers and family members of Ashwini Mishra, who died in a motorcycle accident, blocked the road for 23 hours demanding Rs. 10 lakh compensation and a job. Despite efforts by officials and representatives, the protest continued.
Coal Mafia Created Illegal Mines for Theft in Latehar
In Latehar’s Balumath area, coal mafia has become bold enough to dig illegal mines for coal theft. The mafia operates by digging land and setting up mines to steal coal, which is then transported by tractors and trucks. A gang of 13 locals is involved, and millions of rupees worth of coal has been stolen, raising questions about the protection behind these operations.
