Ranchi: The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Monday approved 23 proposals covering a wide range of sectors, including public welfare, infrastructure, irrigation, mining, employee benefits, and administrative reforms. The most notable decision was a sharp increase in compensation for deaths caused by wildlife attacks, with the amount being raised from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
The move comes amid long-standing demands for higher compensation, particularly in cases involving elephant attacks, an issue that has frequently been raised in the state Assembly. The government said the decision is aimed at providing greater financial security to affected families.
Enhanced Relief for Wildlife Attack Victims
Under the revised compensation policy, the families of people killed in attacks by wild animals will now receive Rs 10 lakh. The Cabinet also approved compensation of Rs 2 lakh for victims who suffer serious injuries and Rs 35,000 for those with minor injuries. In addition, an immediate relief amount of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to the families of deceased victims.
The decision is expected to benefit residents of forested and rural regions, where encounters with elephants, bears, and other wild animals often result in loss of life and property.
Advance Salary Facility for Government Employees
The Cabinet also approved an advance salary and credit facility for state government employees. Under the scheme, employees will be able to avail up to 30 days’ advance salary and repay the amount through instalments over a period ranging from two to 60 months.
The government plans to implement the scheme through selected financial institutions. Officials believe the initiative will help employees meet urgent financial needs and emergency expenses more easily.
Another employee-focused decision was the approval of a uniform pay structure for computer operators and data entry operators working across different government departments. Future appointments to these posts will be made under Pay Level-2.
Major Investments in Roads and Irrigation
To strengthen infrastructure, the Cabinet granted administrative approval of more than Rs 162 crore for road widening and road strengthening projects across the state. The government said improved road connectivity would support economic growth and ease transportation.
The revised cost of the Amanat Barrage Irrigation Project in Palamu district was also approved, with an allocation exceeding Rs 947 crore. The project is expected to expand irrigation coverage and provide significant benefits to farmers by improving water availability for agriculture.
Mining Sector Receives Fresh Boost
Several important decisions were taken to promote mining and industrial development. The Cabinet approved the grant of mining leases for the Parbatpur and Sitanala coal blocks in Bokaro district to JSW Steel Limited.
In addition, the Jitpur coal block in Godda district has been allotted to Carey Mining Private Limited. The government expects these projects to generate employment opportunities, attract investment, and strengthen the state’s revenue base.
Administrative and Digital Governance Reforms
The Cabinet extended the duration of the JharNet 2.0 digital connectivity project until the 2026-27 financial year. Approval was also given for the appointment of Motor Vehicle Inspectors through the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The services of irregularly appointed employees working in the Godda and Bokaro district collectorates will be regularised. The Cabinet further granted post-facto approval to the appointment of Rohitasya Roy as the Advocate General of Jharkhand.
In another significant decision, the government approved a hybrid departmental-contractor model for implementing various forest department projects. According to the government, these measures will improve administrative efficiency, enhance transparency, and accelerate the execution of development programmes across the state.
Officials described the Cabinet decisions as a major step toward strengthening governance, boosting infrastructure, supporting employees, and ensuring greater welfare for citizens across Jharkhand.