Ranchi, Jharkhand: The first session of the Jharkhand Assembly 2026 began on February 18, 2026, with the Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar delivering his annual address. He extended New Year greetings to the Assembly and the people of Jharkhand, highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive development, social harmony, and good governance.
Focus on Law and Order, Anti-Corruption Measures
Governor Gangwar emphasized that the government prioritizes law and order and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against crime and extremism. In 2025, 1,268 arrests were made in 1,413 cybercrime cases, and the helpline 1930 blocked over ₹111 crore in fraudulent transactions.
Additionally, 54 public servants were arrested for corruption, reinforcing administrative transparency and accountability across the state.
Read also: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Reviews Budget Plans, Focusing on Economic Growth and Women Empowerment
Jharkhand on the Global Investment Map
Marking 25 years since its establishment, Jharkhand has strengthened its global presence. The state participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos and subsequent meetings in London, showcasing investment-friendly policies and sustainable development initiatives.
Key sectors for investment highlighted include:
- Green Energy
- Critical Minerals
- Tourism
- Higher Education
- Manufacturing
The state has received investment proposals totaling around ₹1.27 lakh crore so far.
MSME Growth, Employment, and Skill Development
To boost entrepreneurship, the Jharkhand MSME (Special Concession) Act, 2025 was implemented. A single-window system was upgraded to improve ease of doing business. Employment initiatives included 229 recruitment camps and 85 job fairs, providing jobs to 12,576 youth. Additionally, migration support centers were opened across seven states to assist migrant workers.
Digital Governance and IT Sector Expansion
Jharkhand has strengthened e-governance with the development of Software Technology Parks in Ranchi, Sindri, and Deoghar. The state is leveraging IT, data centers, and startup policies to create technology-driven opportunities for youth, while also expanding internet access in gram panchayats.
Agriculture, Forest Products, and Rural Economy
The government has introduced structured procurement for rice and forest products such as karanj seeds, ragi, mahua, and sal seeds, offering 30–100% above MSP to benefit farmers and forest-dependent families. Under the Agriculture Loan Waiver Scheme, loans worth ₹2,307 crore were waived.
Women Empowerment, Education, and Health
Over 4 lakh women have been identified under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, and 51 lakh women benefit from the Mukhyamantri Manaiya Samman Yojana.
Education initiatives include STEM labs, Mukhyamantri Excellent Schools, and four-year undergraduate programs. Health projects include RIMS-2 Medical College approval and the expansion of Ayushman health schemes.
Infrastructure, Tourism, and Environment
The government has approved projects worth thousands of crores for roads, bridges, flyovers, and rural connectivity. Tourism development and forest conservation initiatives, including plantation drives, are ongoing.
Under the PESA Rules, 2025, gram sabhas now have clarified rights over natural and community resources.
Key achievements this year include:
- 350,000 beneficiaries under the Savitri Bai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana with ₹130 crore disbursed
- Over 1 lakh child marriages prevented
- 17.5 lakh students received pre-matric scholarships worth ₹337 crore via DBT
- 370,000 bicycles distributed under the state cycling scheme
- 3,500 acres of fruit and timber plantations under Mukhyamantri Jan-Van Yojana
- Completion of 1,644 km of roads under Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Additionally, over 7,000 villages are fully covered under FHTC, with 3,129 villages declared as Har Ghar Jal villages. Jharkhand has also auctioned 11 mineral blocks, including iron ore, graphite, gold, limestone, and bauxite.
Governor Appeals for Central Support
Governor Gangwar called for continued central government support for Jharkhand’s development. He urged the Assembly to engage in constructive discussions to ensure equitable growth and welfare for all sections of society.
