Ranchi: The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has approved a series of significant decisions covering urban housing regularisation, employee dearness allowance (DA) revision, healthcare expansion, infrastructure development, and education initiatives. A total of 53 proposals were cleared in the meeting.
Regularisation of Unauthorised Buildings in Jharkhand
In a major relief for residents across urban areas, the state government has approved a revised policy to regularise unauthorised constructions.
Under the new rules:
- Buildings up to 10 metres height (G+2 structures) can now be regularised.
- The scheme applies to residential buildings up to 300 square metres.
Fee Structure for Regularisation
- Residential buildings: ₹10,000
- Commercial buildings: ₹20,000
The decision is a revised version of a 2019 policy and aims to bring illegally constructed properties under the legal framework while improving urban planning compliance.
Medical Colleges to Be Developed Under PPP Model
To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the upgradation of district hospitals in:
- Khunti
- Jamtara
- Giridih
- Dhanbad
These hospitals will be converted into medical colleges and operated under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The move is expected to improve access to advanced medical education and healthcare services in these regions.
Salary Boost: Dearness Allowance Increased for State Employees
State government employees and pensioners will receive higher Dearness Allowance benefits.
Key updates:
- DA increased by 5%
- Employees under the Sixth Pay Commission will now receive 257% DA (up from 252%)
- Employees under the Fifth Pay Commission will receive 474% DA (up from 466%)
The revision also applies to pensioners and family pension beneficiaries.
Higher Taxes on Commercial Use of Two-Wheelers
The Cabinet also approved amendments under the Motor Vehicles Act introducing new taxation rules:
- Commercial use of two-wheelers will now attract a tax of 7% of ex-showroom price
- The tax will be valid for 15 years
- Additional taxation will also apply to vehicles used for transporting construction materials
This move is aimed at increasing revenue and regulating commercial vehicle usage more effectively.
Boost for Education, Robotics and Innovation
In a major push for innovation and skill development, the government has announced several academic initiatives:
Jharkhand Robotics Festival
- Students will be encouraged to build any type of robot
- Cash prizes include:
- ₹5 lakh for first place
- ₹3 lakh for second place
- ₹2 lakh for third place
Science and Mathematics Initiatives
- Quiz competitions on science, technology, robotics and biotechnology
- Participation from students of Classes 8–10, 11–12, ITI, and Polytechnic levels
- Smaller quiz prizes range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000
The state will also observe National Science Day and National Mathematics Day to encourage scientific interest among students.
Major Infrastructure Approvals Across the State
The Cabinet approved several infrastructure projects, including:
- ₹45.47 crore for Saharkol–Pakur bypass road
- ₹87.21 crore for Barharwa urban water supply scheme
- ₹153.37 crore for Jamshedpur inter-state bus terminal-cum-commercial complex
- Strengthening of rural internet connectivity under the Bharat Net project
These projects aim to improve transportation, water supply, and digital access in both urban and rural areas.
Expansion of Higher Education Institutions
Additional academic reforms include:
- New teaching and non-teaching posts approved for institutions under Sar J.C. Bose University, Giridih
- Special courts under SC/ST Act to be set up in Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Palamu
The Jharkhand Cabinet’s latest decisions reflect a broad development agenda covering housing regularisation, healthcare expansion, employee welfare, education reforms, taxation changes, and infrastructure upgrades. The move is expected to have wide-ranging social and economic impacts across the state.
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