THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 12: The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Thursday approved a series of major decisions focusing on strengthening educational infrastructure, clarifying rules for the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, extending aircraft services for VIP movement, and implementing key public welfare schemes across the state.
Several proposals related to new college buildings, Centres of Excellence in technical education, civil services examination eligibility rules, district libraries, and housing schemes were cleared during the meeting.
Major Push for Higher Education Infrastructure
The Cabinet approved the construction of new buildings for several colleges to expand higher education infrastructure across Jharkhand.
Administrative approval was granted for a new academic building for S.S. Memorial College in Ranchi at an estimated cost of ₹48.56 crore. Another major project approved was the construction of a building for J.L.N. College in Chakradharpur under Kolhan University, with an estimated budget of ₹88.92 crore.
Similarly, a new Women’s College in Godda district under Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka, will be constructed with an approved cost of ₹69.57 crore. The Cabinet also cleared the construction of a Degree College building in Boarijor, Godda, with an estimated cost of ₹40.19 crore.
In another decision aimed at widening access to higher education, the Cabinet approved the conversion of Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Sarath (Deoghar) into a co-educational institution, which will now be renamed Degree Mahavidyalaya, Sarath.
Centres of Excellence and School Education Initiatives
The state government approved the establishment of four Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at BIT Sindri in Dhanbad during the 2025–26 financial year. The centres will be operated by the BIT Sindri Innovation and Incubation Centre Foundation, with an estimated expenditure of about ₹38.58 crore over five years.
In the school education sector, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Manki Munda Scholarship Scheme and changes to provisions related to the Free School Kit Scheme, including the distribution of school bags to students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government schools.
District Libraries to Be Built in 23 Districts
To strengthen public learning infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the construction of modern district libraries in 23 districts of Jharkhand. Each library will have a seating capacity of 800 readers and will include books, digital resources, furniture and other facilities.
The estimated cost for each library project is ₹12.02 crore, with the overall project expected to significantly expand public access to study spaces and knowledge resources across the state.
JPSC Civil Services Exam: Age Cut-Off Approved
The Cabinet approved the cut-off date for calculating the minimum and maximum age limits for candidates appearing in the Combined Civil Services Competitive Examination, 2025, conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). The decision is expected to bring clarity for aspirants preparing for the state civil services examination.
The government also approved the Limited Online Competitive Examination Rules, 2026, enabling Group ‘D’ employees to be promoted to Group ‘C’ posts, including Lower Division Clerk and Junior Secretariat Assistant, through a competitive examination.
VIP Flight Service Extended for Six Months
The Cabinet also approved the extension of aircraft services for the official flight programme of VIPs and VVIPs in Jharkhand. The service of a Turbo Prop Twin Engine B-250/B-200 GT aircraft from Redbird Airways Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, has been extended for six months on the same rates and conditions.
The approval was granted by relaxing provisions under the state Finance Rules for the smooth continuation of official flight operations.
PMAY-Urban 2.0 to Be Implemented in Jharkhand Cities
The Cabinet cleared the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) in urban local bodies across Jharkhand. The scheme aims to provide affordable housing for economically weaker sections and urban poor families.
Tourism Policy and Migrant Welfare
The government also approved the formulation of the Jharkhand City Tourist Tax Rules, 2025, aimed at generating additional revenue for tourism and urban infrastructure development.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved sending the state’s views and suggestions on the proposed Migrant Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, being drafted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Other Key Decisions
Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved an increase in breakfast allowance for NCC cadets during training, the extension of the CT-MIS project system integrator, and reforms in government procurement rules, including the use of e-bank guarantees as performance security and the inclusion of dispute resolution provisions in contracts.
