Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren has begun an extensive departmental review exercise in Ranchi to assess the ground-level progress of government schemes and strengthen administrative efficiency across sectors. The multi-day review series will continue until June 11 and covers key departments in a structured schedule.
On the first day, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat with officials from the Finance and Commercial Tax Department, followed by a detailed review of the Water Resources Department’s ongoing projects.
Finance and Revenue: Focus on GST, Tax Collection, and Mining Revenue
During the review of the Finance and Commercial Tax Department, the state’s fiscal health, revenue collection, and implementation of budgetary provisions were thoroughly evaluated.
Key areas of discussion included:
- GST compliance and monitoring
- VAT, professional tax, and other state levies
- Revenue collection performance and challenges
- Strategies to curb tax evasion and improve enforcement
Officials presented detailed data on revenue trends across different tax categories. The Chief Minister emphasized strengthening digital monitoring systems and improving transparency in tax administration.
Mining Revenue Performance
A significant highlight of the review was Jharkhand’s strong performance in mining revenue. Officials reported that the state has outperformed neighboring Odisha and Chhattisgarh in mining revenue collection.
This improvement was attributed to:
- Transparent mining policies
- Better resource management
- Strong monitoring mechanisms
The Chief Minister directed officials to maintain this momentum while ensuring strict action against illegal mining activities.
Push for Transparency and Biometric Governance
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of transparency in governance and directed the widespread implementation of biometric systems across departments.
He instructed that:
- Biometric attendance systems must be strictly enforced
- Administrative processes should be made more accountable
- Technology should be used to improve efficiency and monitoring
He also emphasized coordinated inter-departmental functioning to ensure faster execution of development schemes.
Water Resources Department Review: Focus on Irrigation Revolution
In a separate review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of the Water Resources Department, focusing on irrigation schemes, lift irrigation projects, pipeline-based water supply, and multipurpose water infrastructure.
Key directives included:
- Timely completion of all irrigation projects
- Use of modern technology in project execution
- Ensuring water reaches farmlands efficiently
- Strengthening pipeline-based irrigation and drinking water systems
The Chief Minister highlighted that Jharkhand is an agriculture-based state and improving irrigation infrastructure will directly benefit farmers by increasing productivity and income.
Emphasis on Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development
The Chief Minister stated that expanding irrigation facilities will:
- Improve agricultural output
- Strengthen rural livelihoods
- Reduce migration from rural areas
He also emphasized the need for efficient water management so that every farm receives adequate irrigation support.
Special focus was placed on river water conservation, with instructions to develop practical systems for storing river water in local reservoirs and using it for irrigation.
Major Irrigation Projects Reviewed
Several key irrigation and infrastructure projects were reviewed in detail, including:
- Chandil Dam
- Kharkai Barrage
- Ichha Dam
- Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project
- Konar Irrigation Project
- Punasi Reservoir
- Gumani Barrage
- Son-Kanhar Pipeline Irrigation Project
- Sikatiya and Masaliya-Raniswar schemes
- Pirtaand Mega Lift Irrigation Project
- Palamu Pipeline Irrigation Projects
The Chief Minister also reviewed ongoing micro and mega lift irrigation schemes and directed officials to speed up execution without compromising quality.
Future Irrigation Expansion Plans
The government also discussed upcoming irrigation projects aimed at expanding coverage across multiple districts, including:
- Amanat Barrage Project (Palamu)
- Gandey Mega Lift Scheme (Giridih)
- Charadiha-Ulihatu Project (Khunti)
- Konpala Mega Lift Scheme (Simdega)
- Patamda-Boram Project (East Singhbhum)
- Nimdih-Kukdu Project (Seraikela-Kharsawan)
These projects are expected to significantly expand irrigation capacity in rural and tribal regions of the state.
Department-wise Review Schedule Announced
The government has released a detailed schedule for ongoing departmental reviews:
- May 26: School Education, Literacy, Women & Child Development, Social Security
- May 27: Rural Development, Panchayati Raj
- May 28: Urban Development, Housing, Road Construction
- June 1: Tribal Welfare, SC/ST Welfare, Information & Public Relations
- June 2: Health, Medical Education, Food & Public Distribution
- June 3: Mines, Forest & Environment
- June 4: Labour, Employment, Skill Development, Energy
- June 5: Higher Education, Tourism, Art & Culture
- June 6: Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Cooperation
- June 9: Drinking Water & Sanitation, Excise
- June 10: Home, Disaster Management, Administrative Reforms
- June 11: Transport, Revenue, Registration, Land Reforms, Law
The ongoing review exercise reflects the Jharkhand government’s focus on improving governance, strengthening revenue systems, and accelerating irrigation development. The Chief Minister has directed all departments to work in a coordinated manner to ensure timely completion of projects and maximize benefits for farmers and rural communities across the state.
