THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
RANCHI, May 27: The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Cabinet on Wednesday approved 39 proposals, including a hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners, the launch of the ‘Abua Dawakhana’ healthcare scheme and a major organic farming certification programme.
The Cabinet decisions covered key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, Panchayati Raj, infrastructure, animal husbandry, skilling and administrative reforms.
DA increased for employees and pensioners
The Cabinet approved an increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief under different pay commission structures.
For employees and pensioners under the 7th Pay Commission, DA has been increased from 58 per cent to 60 per cent. Under the 6th Pay Commission, the rate has gone up from 257 per cent to 262 per cent, while employees under the 5th Pay Commission will now receive 483 per cent DA instead of 474 per cent.
‘Abua Dawakhana’ scheme gets nod
To strengthen healthcare services, the Cabinet approved the ‘Abua Dawakhana’ scheme, which will provide treatment through multiple systems of medicine, including Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani and Siddha.
The Cabinet also extended the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission and the National Health Mission till September 30, 2026.
Organic farming programme approved
The government approved a scheme for certification of organic farming across 1.05 lakh hectares in Jharkhand.
The programme will be implemented in three phases from 2026-27 to 2030-31 at a cost of over ₹37 crore.
NDPS reward policy and goat-rearing scheme
The Cabinet approved a new reward policy under the NDPS Act for individuals providing information related to illegal trafficking and production of narcotic substances.
Rewards ranging from ₹3,000 to more than ₹2 lakh can be given to citizens and government employees up to Level-13.
To promote livestock farming, the Cabinet also approved a ₹4-crore commercial goat-rearing project under the Chief Minister’s Livestock Development Scheme.
Relief for traders and support for artists
Petrol, diesel and liquor retailers have been exempted from filing quarterly returns and monthly abstracts under VAT provisions, with the government citing ease of doing business.
The Cabinet also simplified norms for providing a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 to elderly artists, differently-abled artists and artists suffering from serious illnesses.
Panchayat funds, Dumka flights and ITI upgrade
The Cabinet approved the transfer of ₹244.80 crore to district boards following recommendations of the Fifth State Finance Commission.
An agreement with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) was also approved to facilitate regular flight operations from Dumka Airport.
The government further cleared the implementation of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs’ scheme.
New posts and infrastructure approvals
The Cabinet approved the transfer of 11.635 acres of land to South Eastern Railway for the Lodhma-Fiska rail link project in Khunti district.
It also approved the restructuring of posts in the Governor’s Secretariat and the creation of new posts for sub-divisional courts in Giridih and West Singhbhum districts.