Thursday’s cabinet meeting in Ranchi marked a milestone for Jharkhand’s sports fraternity, approving pensions for medalists across global and domestic arenas while streamlining bureaucracy. Of 27 proposals passed, two—including JPSC age relaxations—were held back due to lack of consensus, with no public briefing amid municipal polls.
The star policy restructures lifetime pensions for elite performers. Olympic heroes and Khel Ratna recipients secure Rs 20,000 monthly. World Cup, Asian Games, and SAFF victors earn Rs 16,000, tapering to Rs 5,000 for National Games medalists. This tiered system covers all significant events, fostering a culture of sustained excellence.
Sources note the decision empowers athletes financially, addressing post-career vulnerabilities and inspiring grassroots participation. It’s a holistic revamp, expanding beyond previous limited scopes.
Deferred was the Personnel Department’s bid for 14th JPSC age concessions, proposed in August 2023. Prior cycles (11th-13th) used August 2017 cut-off; aspirants demand 2018 extension. Top brass, led by CM Hemant Soren, seeks clarity on concession duration before proceeding.
Administrative wins: C-DAC’s mandate expanded for digital aid in accounting across water, sanitation, and resources departments. 2,727 junior posts in Water Resources returned to Personnel. Positions at Sido-Kanhu, Kolhan, and Vinoba Bhave universities underwent restructuring for efficiency.
In an election-bound atmosphere, these moves reflect strategic governance, blending athlete recognition with operational upgrades to propel Jharkhand’s development trajectory.