Jharkhand, since its formation in 2000, has made consistent efforts to develop an efficient and wide-reaching communication infrastructure. This blog explores the postal services, radio broadcasting, television network, and digital governance initiatives across the state.
1. Postal Services in Jharkhand
- The Jharkhand Postal Circle was established on January 12, 2001, after the formation of the state.
- It continues to operate under the Bihar Postal Circle.
- The postal circle comprises:
- 7 Postal Divisions:
- Ranchi
- Dhanbad
- Singhbhum
- Santhal Pargana
- Hazaribagh
- Palamu
- Giridih
- 2 Railway Mail Services: Ranchi and Dhanbad
- 1 Postal Store Depot: Ranchi
- 7 Postal Divisions:
- The first digit of the PIN code for all postal zones in Jharkhand is 8.
- Jharkhand has a total of 3,097 post offices.
Important: Establishment of Jharkhand Postal Circle in 2001 and 3097 post offices are key facts often asked in exams.
2. Akashvani (Radio Broadcasting) System
- All India Radio (AIR) is the primary medium for state and local broadcasts in Jharkhand.
- The main AIR station is in Ranchi, equipped with high-power transmission capabilities.
- Other AIR centers with low-power transmission are located at:
- Chaibasa
- Dhanbad
- Jamshedpur
- Hazaribagh
- Medininagar (Daltonganj)
- As of now, Jharkhand has 13 AIR stations located in:
- Ranchi
- Jamshedpur
- Hazaribagh
- Medininagar
- Garhwa
- Gumla
- Chaibasa
- Chatra
- Bokaro
- Dhanbad
- Deoghar
- Ghatsila
- Giridih
Special Initiatives:
- 10 January 2020: Jharkhand launched “Asur Radio” in Kotiyahat (Netarhat) to preserve the endangered Asuri language.
- 8 March 2020 (International Women’s Day): “Khanchi 90.4 FM”, a community radio station was launched by Ranchi University.
Important: Asur Radio is the first tribal language radio (Asuri) in the state, and Khanchi FM is university-led community radio.
3. Doordarshan (Television Broadcasting) System
- The first Doordarshan Kendra in Jharkhand was established in Ranchi on 25 September 1984 during the Sixth Five-Year Plan.
- After the launch of INSAT-1B satellite in 1983, low-power transmitters were installed at:
- Dhanbad
- Dumka
- Deoghar
- Bokaro
- Jamshedpur
- Hazaribagh
- A high-power Doordarshan transmitter center was later established at Medininagar (Daltonganj).
Important: 1984 – Establishment of Doordarshan Ranchi Centre and Medininagar as high-power TV station are notable facts.
4. Digital Communication & E-Governance in Jharkhand
Major Projects and Institutions:
- Jharnet (Jharkhand State Wide Area Network):
- Launched in 2005–06 to improve digital connectivity across all districts.
- JAP-IT (Jharkhand Agency for Promotion of Information Technology):
- An autonomous body formed on 29 March 2004 to promote IT and e-governance projects.
- JSAC (Jharkhand Space Applications Center):
- Established in 2003 by the Department of IT & e-Governance in collaboration with ISRO.
- Functions:
- Satellite-based mapping
- Remote sensing
- Natural resource assessment
Important: JAP-IT (2004) and JSAC (2003) are key institutions for e-governance and spatial technology.
5. Media Expansion: DD News Jharkhand
- A dedicated 24×7 DD News Channel for Jharkhand was announced by Venkaiah Naidu, the then Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting.
Important: Launch of a separate DD Jharkhand channel for state-level news coverage.
Key Exam-Point Highlights:
- Jharkhand Postal Circle: Established in 2001
- Total post offices: 3097
- AIR stations: 13, major one in Ranchi
- First tribal language radio: Asur Radio (2020)
- Community radio: Khanchi 90.4 FM
- First DD center in Ranchi: 1984
- INSAT-based transmission centers: Dhanbad, Bokaro, etc.
- Jharnet (2005–06), JAP-IT (2004), JSAC (2003)