December 2024 was a defining month for Jharkhand’s political consolidation, tribal empowerment, environmental conservation, and labour rights. Below is a comprehensive overview with highlighted bullet points and contextual insight.
1. Hemant Soren’s Return as Chief Minister & Cabinet Formation
Highlights:
- Hemant Soren took oath as Chief Minister for the fourth time on November 28, 2024.
- A 12-member cabinet was sworn in on December 5, 2024, with ministers representing JMM, Congress, and RJD.
- On December 9, 2024, the new government secured the vote of confidence in the state assembly, reaffirming its majority.
Constitutional Notes:
- As per Article 163 and Article 164 of the Constitution:
- The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor without external advice.
- Ministers are appointed by the Governor only on the advice of the CM.
- The Governor cannot dismiss a minister unilaterally—only the Chief Minister can advise such removal.
This power dynamic underlines the central role of the CM in shaping state governance.
2. Preserving Sacred Groves: Jharkhand’s Ecological Treasures
Key Insights:
- Sacred groves (called Sarnas in Jharkhand) are patches of forest worshipped and protected by tribal communities.
- These natural sites serve as carbon sinks and hubs of biodiversity.
- Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh are among the states richest in such groves.
Features & Importance:
- Sacred groves:
- May be large forest tracts or consist of a single tree like the Sal in Jharkhand.
- Are community reserves under the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2002.
- Act as natural climate buffers in India’s mission for net-zero emissions by 2070.
Conservation Models:
- Groves align with the Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- In Jharkhand, the Gherabandi scheme (2019) built boundary walls around groves to prevent encroachment.
These groves are not just environmental hotspots but also cultural symbols—preserving them safeguards both nature and indigenous identity.
3. Migrant Crisis in Cameroon: Jharkhand Government Steps In
Event Background:
- 47 migrant workers from Jharkhand were stranded in Cameroon due to non-payment of wages by M/s Transrail Lighting Ltd.
- Workers were paid only $100/month, violating promises and contractual norms.
Government Action:
- CM Hemant Soren directed an FIR under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979.
- FIRs were lodged in Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Giridih districts.
- The Labour Department sought contracts, salary records, and formal complaint documentation.
Diplomatic & Legal Measures:
- Ministry of External Affairs and Indian High Commission were engaged for repatriation and negotiation.
- The state warned of cancelling agreements if full salaries were not paid.
This case illustrates how Jharkhand is actively protecting migrant labour rights, even abroad.
4. Birhor Tribe Joins the Fight Against Child Marriage
A Landmark Shift:
- The Birhor tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), publicly joined the campaign against child marriage in December 2024.
- First-ever awareness march in Giridih district was held under the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign.
Community Details:
- The Birhor are semi-nomadic, forest-dependent, and socially marginalized.
- Youth and elders pledged together by candlelight to end the harmful practice of early marriages.
NGO & Government Collaboration:
- Organized by Banvasi Vikas Ashram under Just Rights for Children (JRC) Alliance.
- JRC claimed to have prevented over 7,000 child marriages across Jharkhand from April to December 2024.
High-Risk Districts:
- Jamtara, Deoghar, Godda, Giridih, Koderma, Dumka are hotspots for child marriages.
The participation of the Birhor community is a cultural turning point, signaling greater grassroots alignment with social reform.
5. PESA Workshop Held in Ranchi
Workshop Date:
- December 24, 2024 – a national-level PESA workshop was conducted in Ranchi.
Attendees:
- Deepika Pandey Singh (Jharkhand Panchayati Raj Minister)
- Vivek Bharadwaj (Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj)
- Other senior officials, tribal leaders, and stakeholders
Focus:
- To finalize Jharkhand’s PESA Rules (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) and enhance tribal self-governance.
This signals the government’s intention to strengthen tribal autonomy in decision-making at the grassroots level.
Summary Table
| Date | 🗞️ Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 28, 2024 | Hemant Soren takes oath as CM (4th term) |
| Dec 5, 2024 | Cabinet of 12 ministers (JMM, Congress, RJD) sworn in |
| Dec 9, 2024 | Government wins trust vote in Assembly |
| Dec 24, 2024 | PESA workshop held in Ranchi |
| Throughout Dec | Birhor tribe joins anti-child marriage drive; Sacred grove preservation |
| Dec 2024 | Migrant rescue initiative for workers stranded in Cameroon |
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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