The month of August 2024 proved to be significant for Jharkhand, marked by decisive administrative moves, welfare announcements, and vibrant tribal cultural events. Here’s a comprehensive look into the most impactful developments from across the state.
Major Relief: ₹3,584 Cr Power Bill Waiver Announced
- In a landmark decision, the state cabinet approved the waiver of ₹3,584 crore in pending electricity dues.
- This move benefits over 39 lakh domestic consumers, particularly under the Mukhyamantri Urja Khushali Yojana, which already offers 200 units of free electricity to eligible households.
- The relief is intended to ease the financial burden on low-income families across the state.
Boost to Law & Order: Police Modernisation Gets ₹150 Cr Push
- A dedicated ₹150 crore allocation was approved for upgrading law enforcement resources.
- The plan includes procurement of over 2,900 vehicles (four- and two-wheelers) to bolster police mobility.
- Additionally, the Dearness Allowance for government employees was raised from 246% to 252%, effective January 2025.
Political Mobilisation: AJSU Launches ‘Sarkar Naukri Do’ Campaign
- On August 9, the AJSU Party kicked off a statewide movement demanding prompt filling of over 2 lakh vacant government positions.
- The campaign also highlighted the need for strict implementation of the 75% local job quota in private companies.
- The movement coincided with Hul Diwas, Adivasi Kranti Diwas, and the death anniversary of Nirmal Mahto.
New Political Entity: JLKM Steps Into Jharkhand’s Landscape
- Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) was officially registered as a regional political party.
- The party, led by Jairam Kumar Mahato, is rooted in the Bhasha-Khatiyan movement, aiming to address linguistic and domicile rights.
Weather Alert: Depression Triggers Flood-Like Conditions
- Early August witnessed a deep depression over Jharkhand, causing torrential rains between August 2–6.
- This weather event disrupted transport and communication in several districts, prompting emergency alerts.
Congress Reshuffles State Leadership
- Keshav Mahto Kamlesh was appointed as the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) President on August 16, replacing Rajesh Thakur.
Ministerial Change in School Education Department
- On August 30, Ramdas Soren (JMM) took oath as the new Education Minister, replacing his cousin Champai Soren.
- This marks a strategic change in one of the most crucial departments.
Health Sector Milestone: 38 Panchayats Declared TB-Free
- Under the National TB Elimination Programme, 38 panchayats were officially recognized as TB-free zones.
- The state’s initiative aligns with the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025 through community outreach, adult BCG vaccinations, and support schemes.
Honoring Courage: 19 Jharkhand Personnel Awarded Gallantry & Service Medals
- Independence Day 2024 saw 19 personnel from Jharkhand honored for exceptional bravery and service.
- Notable among them: SP Deepak Pandey, for a successful anti-Naxal operation.
- 11 others were awarded for commendable long-term service in the police department.
Empowering Women: Direct Benefit Schemes Strengthened
- The government launched the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, offering ₹1,000 per month to eligible BPL women aged 21–50.
- Initiatives like Savitribai Phule Kishori Samridhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Rojgar Srijan Yojana also gained traction:
- Adolescent girls receive financial support to continue education.
- Youth entrepreneurs can access up to ₹25 lakh loans, with 40% government subsidy.
Protecting Tribal Rights: Report Alleges Encroachment by Security Camps
- A citizen’s report raised concerns over unauthorised setup of security camps on tribal community lands in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
- The report urged proper implementation of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act (2006) to safeguard Adivasi land rights.
Cultural Heritage Celebrated: Jharkhand Tribal Festival
- The Jharkhand Tribal Festival was held in Ranchi on World Tribal Day (Aug 9), featuring:
- Tribal dance performances, traditional cuisine, and cultural exhibitions.
- Discussions on tribal displacement, rights, and identity were also conducted.
Major Relief for Farmers: Loan Waiver Limit Increased
- The Jharkhand Agriculture Loan Waiver Scheme was revised to raise the waiver cap from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh.
- Over ₹1,900 crore in loans have been waived for 4.7 lakh farmers since 2021.
- Traditional village heads—Mankis, Parganaits, Gram Pradhans—will now receive increased monthly honorariums.
HIV Awareness Drive Scheduled
- A massive awareness campaign against discrimination towards HIV-positive individuals will begin from September 1, 2024.
- This initiative, led by the Jharkhand State AIDS Control Society, targets youth and rural areas through district and block-level outreach.
Rare Vulture Tagged ‘Dhaka’ Discovered in Hazaribagh
- An injured white-backed vulture, a critically endangered species, was found with a tracking ring inscribed ‘Dhaka’.
- It is believed to be part of a radio-collar migration study coordinated by a UK-based wildlife group.
Disaster Management in Action: Flood Rescue and River Alerts
- NDRF successfully evacuated 26 villagers from flood-hit zones near Sone River in Garhwa.
- Rising water levels in the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers prompted warnings in East Singhbhum.
- Over 3,500 cusecs of water were released from Chandil Dam.
- Incidents of road erosion, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure were reported.
Jharia Master Plan Secures ₹5,940 Cr for Rehabilitation
- The Union Cabinet approved a long-term budget of ₹5,940 crore under the Jharia Master Plan.
- The objective is to combat underground coalfield fires, ensure environmental restoration, and rehabilitate displaced families in the region.
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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