Over ₹7,000 Crore Worth of Projects Approved in Key Jharkhand Cabinet Meeting

Ranchi: Several significant decisions were taken in the interest of the state during the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mr. Hemant Soren on Wednesday at the Jharkhand Secretariat in Ranchi. Administrative approval was granted for schemes and proposals worth over ₹7,000 crore. The meeting resulted in long-term policy decisions across various sectors such as infrastructure, education, water management, energy, rehabilitation, forest and environment, tax policy, consumer interests, women empowerment, and rural development.

Key Decisions to Accelerate Development Works:

Construction and Renovation of Government Polytechnic Buildings
Administrative approval of ₹97.65 crore was granted for the construction and renovation of Government Polytechnic (Bhanu Bhawan).

Boost to North Koel Reservoir Project
Approval of ₹774.55 crore was given for the remaining work of the Shaheed Nilamber-Pitamber North Koel Project.

New Agreement with NIH Roorkee for State-Specific Water Plan (SSAP)
Under the National Water Mission aligned with climate change, a revised MoU with NIH Roorkee was approved for preparing the State Specific Water Plan.

Affordable Liquor Policy
Significant VAT reductions under the Jharkhand Excise Rules, 2025:

VAT on foreign liquor reduced from 75% to 5%

VAT on country liquor reduced from 35% to 1%

✅ 4 New One-Stop Centres for Women
Approval was granted for establishing 4 new One-Stop Centres in the state to provide immediate assistance in cases of violence against women.

✅ Honorarium Hike for Kasturba and Girls' School Staff
Approval was given for an annual 4% increase in the honorarium for staff.

✅ Establishment of NDPS Police Stations
Decision to set up anti-narcotics police stations in five districts of the state.

Historic Investment in Energy Sector:

The cabinet approved several power grid and transmission line projects, including:

Vinod Bihari Chowk – Maithonmatla Line: ₹174.42 crore

Baliapur – Tundi Line: ₹154.17 crore

Chandankiyari ITI Line: ₹78.79 crore

Dupta–ITI Line: ₹83.03 crore

Grid Station, Tundi: ₹74.95 crore

These projects aim to improve the availability and quality of electricity in rural areas.

New Initiatives in Education and Rehabilitation:

Approval of ₹116.54 crore for the construction of residential schools in Bokaro, Chaibasa, and Dumka, modeled after Netarhat School.

Approval for the rehabilitation of 780 families from 7 villages affected by the North Koel Project submergence area.

Concrete Steps in Forest and Environment Sector:

A proposal was considered to declare 575.19 sq. km of the Saranda Forest area (West Singhbhum) as "Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary". This will be brought to the Cabinet following the Ministerial Group’s report.

Permanent transfer of 271.92 acres of non-forest land to Hindalco Industries in lieu of allocation of Chakla Coal Block, with a compensation amount of ₹29.40 crore.

Other Key Decisions:

Approval for extension of service for assistant police personnel.

Approval for the appointment of chairpersons and members of consumer forums.

Approval of the Secretariat Office Procedures Act, 2025.

Approval of pension benefits for employees by recognizing prior services (related to case W.P.1255/2013).

Approval for compensation related to an accident at MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur.

After the meeting, Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated:"These decisions reflect our commitment to holistic development and social justice in the state. The steps taken in sectors like energy, education, rehabilitation, and women empowerment will help make Jharkhand self-reliant."