Amid growing alarm over elephant incursions claiming lives in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren used the assembly platform to pledge enhanced support. On Saturday, replying to Rameshwar Oraon’s notice, he unveiled forthcoming revisions to compensation norms via a unified SOP.
Present aid stands at Rs 4 lakh per death, but Soren noted disparities with other states reaching Rs 50 lakh. Policy reviews from Assam and Odisha inform the upgrade, with SOP ensuring payments within 10 days and encompassing more wildlife threats like leopards, hyenas, and venomous snakes.
Illegal mining’s role in habitat loss drew Soren’s ire, with zero-tolerance promised. Mandu’s mining woes, voiced by Tiwari Mahto, elicited action vows from minister Sudivya Sonu.
Assembly discourse shifted to employee retirement, as Janardan Paswan sought 62 years citing national and Chhattisgarh precedents. Kishore rebuffed, spotlighting youth job quotas over age extensions.
Backlog vacancies for marginalized groups were flagged by Rajesh Kachhap, with government committing to prioritized fillings.
Finance Minister Kishore’s Economic Survey highlighted triumphs: Real GSDP from Rs 1.51 lakh crore to Rs 3.03 lakh crore, per capita at Rs 1.17 lakh. Projections: Rs 3.22 lakh crore (2025-26), Rs 3.41 lakh crore (2026-27). Budget from Rs 6,067 crore to Rs 1.45 lakh crore proposed.
Banking metrics soar—3,449 branches, deposits Rs 3.80 lakh crore (+220%), loans Rs 1.59 lakh crore (+124%). Agriculture and services propel growth.
Transparency push via committee inclusions was discussed but held back under existing laws, though studies of other states promised. Supplementary budget cleared, session paused till February 24 for annual budget. Jharkhand strides toward balanced progress.