Jharkhand's Strategic Policy Shifts: Dearness Allowance Hike and More

In a significant policy shift, the Jharkhand government announced an increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for state employees from 53% to 55% of the basic pay, effective January 1, 2023. This decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is expected to benefit over 3 lakh state employees and pensioners.

Alongside the DA hike, the cabinet approved the Mukhya Mantri Digital Health Yojana, allocating Rs 299.30 crore for its implementation across medical establishments in the next five years. Additionally, a revised reward policy for the arrest of Maoists and criminals was introduced, with new categories dictating rewards ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.

Further decisions included renaming Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University to Veer Shaheed Budhu Bhagat University and the notification of the Jharkhand Sand Mining Rules 2025. Under the new mining rules, district-level authorities can now conduct sand ghat auctions, decentralizing the process from the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation.

(With inputs from agencies.)