THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 8: In a major policy push, the Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, approved a slew of welfare, administrative, and infrastructure-related proposals in today’s meeting. The decisions aim to bolster public service delivery, enhance tribal welfare, and expand the state’s health and education infrastructure.
Boost to Welfare and Social Schemes
One of the prominent approvals was for the construction and operationalisation of 275 Anganwadi Centres in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) dominated areas under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). The Cabinet also cleared the establishment of seven new One Stop Centres under the centrally sponsored scheme to support women affected by violence.
The state government has further regularised the pending service periods of several retired officials and waived procedural hurdles in cases involving unauthorised leaves, demonstrating a push towards administrative fairness.
Infrastructure, Education and Health Get a Lift
The health sector received a significant fillip with the administrative approval of the Chief Minister Digital Health Scheme, a ₹299.30 crore initiative to digitise health services across the state’s medical institutions over the next five years. In addition, 103 posts were sanctioned for the proposed Regional Eye Institute at RIMS, Ranchi.
In medical education, 168 new academic posts were approved across six government medical colleges in Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh, Dumka, Palamu and Ranchi. Meanwhile, two Ashram schools under the Tribal Welfare Department will be upgraded to the senior secondary level.
The Cabinet also cleared a revised budget of ₹123.14 crore for the widening and strengthening of the Garhwa-Chiniya road (MDR-137), including land acquisition.
Economic and Administrative Decisions
In a relief to state employees and pensioners, the Cabinet sanctioned a 55% dearness allowance, effective from January 1, 2025, aligned with the Seventh Central Pay Commission. This move is expected to benefit thousands of government workers and retirees.
To strengthen project implementation under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 87 engineering posts on contract were extended for three years. Amendments to GST compliance requirements and bidding documents were also approved for the smoother functioning of the Road Construction Department.
Policy and Legislative Updates
Key policy amendments were also on the agenda. The Cabinet approved the revised Jharkhand State Police Service Rules-2012. Amendments were also made to the Jharkhand Sand Mining Rules-2025 and the state university act to officially change the name of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi.
Additionally, the second budget session of the Sixth Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, held from February 24 to March 27, was formally adjourned.
These decisions underscore the state government’s continued focus on inclusive growth, institutional strengthening, and improved public welfare.
