April 2024 unfolded with a blend of transformative initiatives and critical challenges in Jharkhand—spanning education, tribal empowerment, governance, climate, and public health. Here’s a full roundup of the most notable events that shaped the state this month.
Education, Equity & Language Empowerment
- New Degree College in Potka (East Singhbhum)
The state laid the foundation stone of a new college in the Potka region, aiming to open access to higher education for underrepresented groups—especially tribal, SC/ST, and minority communities. The move is part of a larger mission to strengthen social equity through education. - Primary Schools to Teach in Tribal & Regional Languages
In a major cultural step, primary schools will soon offer education in Santali, Mundari, and Oraon—along with Bengali and Oriya. This initiative respects linguistic identity while making learning more inclusive. - Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme (Launched March 14, 2024)
The scheme provides students with loans of up to ₹15 lakh, with a 4% simple interest rate. No collateral is required, and students get 15 years to repay. Notably, the scheme also offers full scholarships to tribal students seeking higher education abroad, with scholarship limits increased 3x for poor and farming families.
Heatwave & Drought Warning: Jharkhand on Alert
- The India Meteorological Department has forecast prolonged heatwaves across eastern and peninsular India, including Jharkhand.
- April–June is expected to be arid, with below-normal pre-monsoon rainfall worsening water shortages.
- Citizens are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak afternoon hours.
Manda Puja: Spiritual Tradition and Community Devotion
- The ancient tribal Manda Festival was celebrated across over 500 villages in Jharkhand.
- Rituals included fasting, fire-walking, and self-suspension by ‘Bhoktas’—devotees revered for their spiritual strength.
- Held at temples like the one in Chutia (Ranchi), the event symbolizes prayers for good rainfall and agricultural prosperity.
Voting Reaches Maoist-Affected Forests of Singhbhum
- For the first time in decades, remote polling booths were set up inside Saranda forest, a region long dominated by Maoist insurgency.
- Polling materials and teams were dropped via helicopter to inaccessible villages.
- Voter education programs, sky balloons, and “Chunav Pathshalas” under the SVEEP initiative engaged voters in the democratic process.
Tribal Economy: Pahariya Seed Banks Thrive
- Tribal communities in Pakur and Godda districts are running community seed banks to preserve indigenous crops.
- Women-led management has enabled over 1,350 households to exchange and store traditional seeds.
- Over 3,600 kg of seeds have been redistributed so far, fostering food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture.
Corruption & Accountability: ED Seizes MGNREGA Assets
- The Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth ₹22.47 lakh in connection with a major scam in Khunti district under the MGNREGA scheme.
- The total embezzlement figure is pegged at ₹18 crore, and earlier raids in 2022 recovered cash worth ₹19.58 crore.
- The case is being investigated under the PMLA (2002).
JMM vs Lokpal: Legal Face-Off Over Alleged Benami Properties
- The Delhi High Court responded to a petition by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha challenging a Lokpal order.
- The Lokpal had directed the CBI to probe benami assets allegedly linked to a sitting Rajya Sabha MP.
- The JMM contends that the directive exceeds the jurisdiction granted by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
Bird Flu Alert in Ranchi’s Poultry Farms
- A serious outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) was detected at a state-run farm in Hotwar, Ranchi.
- Over 4,000 birds culled and hundreds of eggs destroyed to control the spread.
- A 10-km containment and surveillance zone has been declared with immediate effect.
- SOPs issued by the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry are being strictly implemented.
Jharkhand Kids Shine in National English Contest
- Students from Jharkhand outperformed eight other states in the National Word Power Championship held in Mumbai.
- The state won 1st position in Class 2 and secured top rankings in Classes 3, 4, and 5.
- The event, modeled on the American Spelling Bee, empowers regional-medium schoolchildren through an English literacy program.
Summary Snapshot
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Education | Potka College, Guruji Credit Scheme, regional language teaching |
| Climate | Intense heatwave forecast, water scarcity risks |
| Tribal Culture | Manda Puja fire-walking and fasting rituals across 500+ villages |
| Electoral Outreach | Voting reaches Maoist zones in Saranda via helicopters |
| Tribal Economy | Pahariya women managing community seed banks |
| Law & Order | MGNREGA embezzlement assets seized by ED |
| Legal Affairs | JMM challenges Lokpal-CBI probe in Delhi HC |
| Health & Environment | Bird flu outbreak leads to mass culling and farm lockdowns |
| Youth & Academics | Students win national English contest, top Class 2 category |
Related Posts – Jharkhand Current Affairs 2024 (Month-wise Index)
January 2024
JSSC CGL Paper Leak, Police Recruitment Reform, New Railway Launches
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February 2024
CM Hemant Soren Resigns, Champai Soren Takes Charge, State Budget Insights
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March 2024
PM Modi in Sindri, JSSC Reforms, Jharkhand Police Academy Inauguration
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April 2024
Forest Fire Emergency, Tribal Museum in Khunti, Solar Energy Projects
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May 2024
New Industrial Corridors, Skill Development Events, State University Bills
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June 2024
HEC Revival Plan, Mahua Economy Boost, NIPUN Literacy Campaign Begins
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July 2024
Sports Infrastructure Projects, Millet Festivals, PM-Kisan Updates
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August 2024
Jharkhand Startup Policy, Heavy Rainfall Impacts, PSC Interview Changes
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September 2024
Mining Block Allocations, Cultural Heritage Mapping, Disability Data Collection
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October 2024
Tribal Language Initiatives, Renewable Energy Progress, Livelihood Schemes
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November 2024
Assembly Elections 2024, Voter Turnout Trends, Results Analysis
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December 2024
New Cabinet Formation, Birhor Anti-Child Marriage Campaign, PESA Workshop
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