Jharkhand News : The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Tuesday approved more than 49 key proposals covering education, healthcare, infrastructure, administration and judicial reforms. Among the major decisions were the rollout of AI-powered virtual classrooms in 1,000 government schools, establishment of two new degree colleges, launch of a helicopter air ambulance service, expansion of medical education, major road projects and amendments to building by-laws. The Cabinet also approved the Jharkhand Assembly Monsoon Session from August 6 to August 12, 2026.
AI Classrooms and Higher Education Expansion
To strengthen digital learning, the government approved ₹176.07 crore for setting up AI-enabled virtual classrooms in 1,000 secondary and higher secondary schools. Two central studios will be established at the JEPC headquarters, while five additional studios will be set up at DIET centres across the state’s divisions, enabling teachers to conduct live interactive classes through video conferencing.
The Cabinet also sanctioned the construction of two new government degree colleges:
- Jamua, Giridih: ₹38.22 crore
- Mandu, Ramgarh: ₹40.14 crore
The tenure of the Model School Scheme has been extended until 2029-30. Academic posts have also been restructured in six state universities, while Barhi Degree College has been renamed Chandwara Degree College.
Air Ambulance and Medical Education Boost
To improve emergency healthcare in remote areas, the Cabinet approved hiring a single-engine helicopter air ambulance, with an estimated annual expenditure of ₹9.45 crore.
In a significant relief for students suffering from sickle cell disease, thalassemia, haemophilia, Type-1 diabetes, other non-communicable diseases and disabilities, the minimum attendance requirement for board examinations has been reduced from 75% to 50%.
The government also approved ₹194.73 crore in the first phase to expand Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad, increasing MBBS seats from 100 to 250 and postgraduate seats from 16 to 200.
Major Road Infrastructure Projects
The Cabinet approved several road development projects across Jharkhand:
- Bhuiyan Sinan–Susni Road (22.44 km): ₹102.40 crore
- Ghaghra–Jokari Ghati Road (19 km): ₹101.77 crore
- Tangar Basli Mor–Bobro Mor Road (11.57 km): ₹63.77 crore
- Parwal RCD Road–Karanj Road (14.25 km): ₹76.75 crore
- Kherabani–Rani Ghaghar Road (9.17 km): ₹53.73 crore
Additionally, ₹39.67 crore was approved for the construction of the new Adityapur Municipal Corporation building.
Building By-law Reforms
The Cabinet approved implementation of the Jharkhand Building By-laws, reducing the minimum road width requirement for map approval in rural areas—from 9 metres to 4.5 metres—for institutions, government offices and industrial establishments.
Environment and Welfare Initiatives
- In-principle approval for two new zoos in the Giridih East and Dumka forest divisions.
- Expansion of the Jharkhand Zoo Authority’s jurisdiction across the state.
- Welfare department hostels will now be operated through NGOs selected by district-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners.
- Extension of services for the agency supplying Take Home Ration under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 Scheme until fresh tenders are finalised.
Assembly Session and Employee Benefits
The Cabinet decided that the Jharkhand Assembly Monsoon Session will be held from August 6 to August 12, 2026, with five working days.
Retired teachers and officers of state universities and constituent colleges will receive Seventh Pay Commission benefits retrospectively from January 1, 2016, along with 6% interest on arrears.
Judicial and Administrative Decisions
- Approval for revision of salaries of the Advocate General and other law officers, along with creation of 63 new posts.
- ₹12.32 crore sanctioned for the Advocates’ Welfare Fund to support medical insurance, pensions and welfare schemes.
- Amendments approved to the Jharkhand Judicial Service Rules, 2004, and Higher Judicial Service Rules, 2001.
- Approval for the direct appointment of Sanjay Kumar Saroj and Anand Kumar Tripathi as District Judges.
Other Key Decisions
- Medical Officer Dr Archana Chaudhary of Kasmar, Bokaro, was dismissed from service for prolonged unauthorised absence.
- The order withholding the pension of former Vegfed Managing Director Ramod Narayan Jha was withdrawn following a High Court directive.
- ₹146 crore approved to clear pending liabilities of the Department of Mines and Geology.
- ₹46.85 lakh sanctioned for the third phase of digitisation of the Accountant General’s office.
- Approval granted to table the CAG reports on MGNREGA and Jal Jeevan Mission in the Assembly.
- The Cabinet also approved policy measures required for establishing a Sub-Divisional Court in Bundu.
The decisions are expected to strengthen digital education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure development and governance while improving public services across Jharkhand.
