Drinking water connections also approved
Govt extends key benefits to Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Dhanbad private power consumers
Jamshedpur, July 3: In a significant policy move, the Jharkhand government has agreed to extend the benefits of its flagship schemes—200 units of free electricity and subsidized drinking water connections—to consumers of private electricity distributors like Tata Steel UISL in Jamshedpur. The decision was shared with Chairman of the Delegated Legislative Committee and Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy by senior officials from the Urban Development department, Department of Energy, and Health Department during a meeting held in the state Assembly.
Until now, the state government’s free electricity scheme covered only consumers under Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL). Consumers receiving power from private suppliers such as Tata Steel UISL in Jamshedpur, SAIL in Bokaro, and BCCL in Dhanbad were excluded. Following representations by MLA Saryu Roy during the Assembly’s budget session, the government formed a committee to assess the matter.
Officials from the Department of Energy confirmed that the government had decided in principle to include consumers of private electricity suppliers under the scheme. A formal recommendation will be submitted to the State Cabinet soon, ensuring equitable benefit distribution. This move is expected to benefit thousands of urban and slum households across key industrial towns.
Additionally, the government has addressed concerns raised over high charges for drinking water connections in slum areas. Previously, residents of Jamshedpur slums were being charged excessive fees—often over Rs 7,000—for water connections. The Urban Development Department informed that new guidelines will cap the connection fee below Rs 7,000, with a notification to be issued shortly.
Meanwhile, reforms have also been initiated in the State Employees Insurance Scheme. In response to widespread dissatisfaction from government employees—both working and retired—the government has decided to revisit several contentious provisions. A committee headed by a senior IAS officer has been set up to review the scheme, which had made enrolment mandatory for ‘Category A’ employees.
The Health Department, acknowledging the concerns raised by employee unions and public representatives, has assured that the scheme will be made optional rather than compulsory. A high-level committee will soon submit its recommendations for revising the current structure of the scheme.
These announcements come as a result of continuous pressure and follow-ups by MLA Saryu Roy, who had actively raised these issues during the Assembly session. The decisions are expected to offer significant relief to consumers and government employees alike across Jharkhand’s major cities.
