Mail News Service
Ranchi, Dec 8: The Jharkhand cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Monday approved 33 significant proposals, covering agriculture, infrastructure, education, governance, and welfare reforms.
One of the most crucial decisions was the approval of paddy procurement at a combined rate of Rs 2,450 per quintal for the 2025–26 Kharif season.
This includes the Minimum Support Price (MSP) along with a state bonus.
Farmers will now receive full payment within 48 hours, for which Rs 48.60 crore has been sanctioned.
Paddy procurement will commence from December 15 under the revamped Jharkhand State Paddy Procurement Scheme.
The cabinet also approved revised guidelines for state fairs, categorizing them into tourism festivals with a maximum budget of Rs 80 lakh and cultural fairs capped at Rs 70 lakh.
Another major decision included enhancing support under the SC/ST Civil Services Incentive Scheme, raising the grant for UPSC and state civil service aspirants—from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh—for those who clear the preliminary examination and proceed to mains and interview stages.
Major Cabinet Decisions at a Glance
Construction Sanctions:
* Degree College, Balumath, Latehar: Rs 38.82 crore
* Degree College, Simaria, Chatra: Rs 34.62 crore
Infrastructure Boost:
* Ghatbanka–Devdand Road (17.8 Km): Rs 127.54 crore
* Digdhi Mor–Malin Risaud Road (8.17 km): Rs 61.57 crore
* Bridge over North Koel River, Chainpur: Rs 64.06 crore
* Bankutoli–Kurukura–Bano Road widening (33.56 Km): Rs 140.51 crore
* Four-lane flyover from Siramtoli Chowk to Mecon Roundabout, Ranchi: Rs 470.12 crore
Judicial Compliance & Service Matters:
Multiple court directives complied with, including regularisation, financial benefits (ACP/MACP), and corrected seniority orders for government employees.
Environmental & Tourism Measures:
* Approval of the MoU between the state and the Bombay Natural History Society for operating the Vulture Conservation & Breeding Centre, Muta.
* Amendments to the Articles of Association of Jharkhand Ecotourism Authority (JETA).
Health & Education:
* Promotion of associate professors to professor rank in RIMS with effect from July 1, 2019.
* Enhanced stipend for interns at Government Homoeopathic Medical College, Godda.
* Termination of service of two medical officers following disciplinary actions.
* Reorganisation of academic and non-academic posts under Ranchi University.
Land & Mining Approvals:
* Lease allotments to NTPC for the Badam Coal Mining Project, involving over 94 acres of land for 30 years.
* Amendments under the Jharkhand Mineral Bearing Land Cess Act, 2024.
Treasury & Audit:
* Amendments to the Jharkhand Treasury Code, 2016.
* Approval to table CAG audit reports and performance reviews in the upcoming Assembly session.
The Cabinet’s sweeping approvals reflect the state government’s push toward agricultural support, administrative reforms, and large-scale infrastructure development, aimed at strengthening Jharkhand’s economic and governance landscape.
