Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Information Technology and e-Governance Department, directing officials to accelerate the state’s digital transformation through stronger infrastructure, improved governance and wider access to digital services.
The meeting reviewed the progress of e-governance projects, expansion of digital services, cybersecurity, data management, digitisation of government services and IT-driven innovation. A detailed discussion was also held on the proposed Digital Jharkhand Vision 2029, during which officials presented the master plan for the state’s proposed IT Park.
Unified Data Platform and IT Officers in Every District
The Chief Minister reviewed the proposed Chief Minister Data Intelligence Platform, which aims to integrate data and portals from all government departments for better governance and evidence-based decision-making.
He directed the department to appoint dedicated IT officers in every government department and district to improve transparency, efficiency and coordination. Soren also stressed the need to strengthen the Jharkhand State Data Centre and build a secure, centralized data ecosystem across all departments.
Digital Services Must Reach Rural Areas
Emphasising inclusive digital development, the Chief Minister said the vision of a Digital Jharkhand can only be achieved when technology reaches remote and rural communities.
He said digital governance should simplify citizens’ lives by ensuring transparent, accessible and time-bound delivery of government services while improving administrative efficiency and accountability.
Statewide Digital Infrastructure Mapping and 5G Expansion
Reviewing the work of the Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Limited, Soren directed officials to undertake a comprehensive mapping of the state’s digital infrastructure to identify existing gaps and plan future development.
He also asked officials to prepare a roadmap to connect every panchayat with 5G connectivity within the next three years. The meeting reviewed key projects, including BharatNet Phase III, Connecting Jharkhand, and JharNet 2.0, which are expected to strengthen data, voice and video communication across the state.
Focus on Cybersecurity and Online Governance
During the review of JAP-IT, the Chief Minister instructed officials to fill vacant posts and expedite projects related to CCTV networks in police stations, LiDAR technology and satellite-based applications.
He also directed departments to standardize and centralize their data, strengthen cybersecurity systems through regular security audits, and maintain updated digital succession charts with photographs for better administrative clarity.
Identifying Internet Shadow Areas
To improve digital connectivity, Soren instructed officials to identify internet shadow areas where network coverage is weak or unavailable and prepare a phased plan to expand connectivity.
He said no village, town or city in Jharkhand should remain excluded from digital services, adding that stronger internet connectivity would enhance education, healthcare, governance and public service delivery.
Review of Maiya Samman Yojana and IT Ecosystem
Officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, including applications received, verification processes and Aadhaar-based benefit transfers.
Calling for the development of a robust IT ecosystem, Soren said Jharkhand’s digital growth should extend beyond IT parks to include startups, innovation, research, skill development and employment generation. He also suggested installing high-quality sound systems in district courts to improve judicial communication and directed officials to ensure regular monitoring and timely completion of all IT projects.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Department Secretary Pooja Singhal, Special Secretary Sunil Kumar Singh, IT Director Madhavi Mishra, JAP-IT CEO Chandan Kumar, and other senior officials.
