Ranchi: The cabinet meeting of the Jharkhand government, held in Ranchi, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s cabinet, approved a total of 23 key proposals spanning wildlife compensation, infrastructure development, mining projects, employee welfare, legal appointments, and administrative reforms. The decisions were formally shared by Additional Chief Secretary Vandana Dadel.
Major Decision: Increased Compensation for Wildlife Attack Victims
A significant highlight of the cabinet meeting was the revision of compensation for victims of wild animal attacks under the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department.
- Death due to wild animal attack: ₹4 lakh → ₹10 lakh
- Serious injury: ₹1.5 lakh → ₹2 lakh
- Minor injury: ₹25,000 → ₹35,000
- Permanent disability: ₹3.25 lakh → ₹3.5 lakh
The government also approved a simplified and time-bound compensation delivery system, ensuring immediate initial financial assistance to affected families.
Infrastructure Development: Roads and Irrigation Projects Cleared
₹162.82 Crore Road Expansion in Ranchi
The cabinet approved the four-laning and strengthening of Namkum–Doranda road (MDR-002) in Ranchi with land acquisition and utility shifting.
- Total approved cost: ₹162.82 crore
- Length: 6.7 km
- Objective: Improve urban connectivity in Ranchi
₹947.26 Crore Amanat Barrage Project
A major irrigation project in Palamu district received approval.
- Revised cost: ₹947.26 crore
- Purpose: Strengthen irrigation infrastructure and agricultural output
Mining and Land Allocation Approvals
The cabinet cleared multiple mining-related decisions:
- Coal mining leases approved in Parvatpur and Sitlanala coal blocks (Bokaro district)
- Coal block allocation in Jeetpur (Godda district) to M/s Terri Mining Pvt. Ltd.
- Emerald mineral block (24.47 sq km) in East Singhbhum reserved under MMDR Act approval process
- Transfer of 5.84 acres land for compensatory afforestation in Dhanbad district
These decisions aim to accelerate mineral-based economic activity in the state.
Digital Governance & Infrastructure Expansion
JharNet 2.0 Extension
- Project extended till FY 2026–27
- Additional approved expenditure: ₹65.50 crore
Other Key Administrative Approvals
- Continuation of Women Helpline 181 under Mission Shakti (Sambal)
- Adoption of hybrid execution model in Forest Department (departmental + contractual system)
- Empowerment of Deputy Commissioners for land transfer and forest compensation processes
Employee Welfare and Service Reforms
The cabinet introduced several employee-focused measures:
- Mid-month salary advance facility through NBFCs
- Short-term (30-day) salary advances with no interest if repaid within cycle
- Long-term loan facility in easy installments
- Pay structure standardization for contractual computer operators and data entry operators
- Regularization of irregularly appointed staff in Godda and Bokaro districts
The government stated that these measures aim to reduce financial stress among employees without increasing the state’s financial burden.
Legal, Administrative & Judicial Decisions
Several important governance and legal decisions were also approved:
- Appointment of Rohitashwa Ray as Advocate General of Jharkhand
- Promotion of Additional Advocate General Achyut Keshav to Senior Additional Advocate General
- Compliance with Jharkhand High Court contempt cases leading to appointment of Motor Vehicle Inspectors
- Submission of CAG reports on:
- PM Awas Yojana–Gramin implementation
- State Finance Audit Report (2026 session)
Mining Block & Strategic Resource Development
Additional approvals included:
- Reservation of emerald mineral blocks in East Singhbhum
- Coal mining leases across Bokaro and Godda districts
- Approval of cadastral and georeferenced mining area mapping
- Coordination with central government under MMDR Act provisions
Environmental & Institutional Reforms
- Formation of Independent Panel of Experts under Dam Safety Act, 2021
- Compensatory afforestation land transfer rules streamlined
- Adoption of hybrid operational model in Forest Department for efficiency
The Jharkhand Cabinet meeting in Ranchi delivered a wide-ranging policy package covering welfare, infrastructure, mining, governance, and environmental reforms. The most impactful decisions include the sharp increase in wildlife attack compensation, major irrigation and road infrastructure investments, and employee financial support reforms.
The 23 approvals collectively reflect the state government’s focus on development acceleration, administrative efficiency, and public welfare improvements.
