Stay updated with the major developments in Jharkhand during March 2024. From infrastructural transformations to education reforms and tribal welfare initiatives — here’s a detailed, rewritten summary for competitive exams and general awareness.
1. PM Modi’s Mega Development Push in Dhanbad
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for developmental projects worth ₹35,700 crore.
- Focus areas included fertilizer production, railway connectivity, coal infrastructure, and power generation.
Key Projects:
- HURL Sindri Fertilizer Plant (₹8,900 crore): Boosts urea production by 12.7 LMT annually.
- North Karanpura STPP – Unit I (Chatra, ₹7,500 crore): 660 MW thermal power unit to boost energy availability and jobs.
- Railway Initiatives (₹17,600 crore+):
- New routes and line expansions such as the Sone Nagar–Andal and Mohanpur–Hansdiha lines.
- Flagged off:
- Deoghar–Dibrugarh Express
- Tatanagar–Badampahar MEMU
- Shivpur long-haul freight train
Impact: These initiatives aim to accelerate agro-industrial output, improve connectivity, and generate local employment.
2. State Budget 2024–25 & Social Welfare Schemes
Date: Early March 2024
Government: Champai Soren-led administration
Budget Outlay: ₹1.28 lakh crore
Budget Highlights:
- Farm Loan Waiver Limit raised from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh.
- Expansion of food security and irrigation schemes.
- Allocation for solar-based farming, rural roads, and livelihood programs.
Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme (Launched March 6)
- Financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for widow remarriage.
- Aimed at breaking social taboos and supporting dignified rehabilitation of women.
3. Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela – Simdega Hosts for the First Time
Date: March 10–12, 2024
Venue: Albert Ekka Stadium, Simdega
- The prestigious agriculture innovation fair by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) was held in Jharkhand for the first time.
- Exhibits included:
- Sustainable farming models
- Crop diversification tools
- Farmer-centric digital technologies
Significance: This marked a boost for tribal farmers, enhancing knowledge of modern, profitable agriculture in rural belts.
4. Maoist Encounter in Hazaribagh Forest
Date: March 10, 2024
Event: Anti-Maoist operation
- Security forces clashed with Naxalites; a local Maoist commander was neutralized.
- Security personnel also sustained injuries in the operation.
Implication: Reinforces the state’s strong anti-insurgency stance and aims to stabilize red corridor zones.
5. Jharkhand Welcomes Its 3rd Vande Bharat Express
- A new Ranchi–Varanasi semi-high-speed train was inaugurated by PM Modi.
- It joins existing Vande Bharat routes:
- Ranchi–Patna (launched June 2023)
- Ranchi–Howrah (launched Sept 2023)
Added Projects:
- Beautification works at Ranchi station (₹350 cr).
- New “One Station One Product” stalls to promote local artisans and crafts.
6. Education Reforms Rolled Out Across Jharkhand
Key Launches (14 March 2024):
- Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme:
- ₹15 lakh loan at just 4% interest for higher education.
- Collateral-free with a 15-year repayment window.
- Manki Munda Scholarship Scheme:
- ₹15,000/year for diploma and ₹30,000/year for engineering girl students.
- Mukhyamantri Shiksha Protsahan Yojana:
- ₹2,500/month stipend for free coaching (JEE, NEET, CLAT, etc.).
- Savitribai Kishori Yojana:
- ₹40,000 cumulative support for girls aged 14–19 years to prevent early marriage and promote education.
7. CM Inaugurates Degree Colleges in West Singhbhum
- New degree colleges in Hatgamharia and Bandgaon under Kolhan University.
- 135 schemes worth ₹2,131 crore launched.
- Scholarships and tribal language promotion introduced (Ho, Mundari, Kudukh, Santhali).
8. Free School Bags & Midday Meal Expansion
- 37 lakh students (Class 1–8) in government schools to receive free school bags.
- Refilling of LPG for anganwadi centres every 3 months approved.
- Jharkhand Millet Mission to expand millet farming from 40,000 to 5 lakh hectares.
9. Highway Projects Worth ₹2,500 Crore Launched
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated projects:
- Tupudana–Kundi Bartoli 4-laning (via Khunti Bypass)
- Bero–Khunti widening and upgradation
Outcomes: Reduced travel time, lower emissions, and boost to rural commerce.
10. Regional PESA Conference Hosted in Ranchi
- Two-day meet focused on strengthening the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
- Discussion around:
- Forest Rights Act
- Tribal land governance
- Role of NGOs in policy implementation
Highlight: Jharkhand reaffirmed commitment to grassroots tribal empowerment through PESA and PM-JANMAN schemes.
11. Tribal Culture Centre Foundation Laid in Seraikela
- Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda initiated a ₹10 crore project to preserve and showcase Jharkhand’s tribal heritage.
- The centre will:
- Feature live demonstrations by tribal artisans
- Promote tribal tourism and cultural conservation
Summary Table – March 2024 at a Glance
| Date / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 March 2024 | PM’s Visit: ₹35,700 Cr projects launched in Sindri |
| Early March | State Budget + Widow Remarriage Scheme (₹2 Lakh grant) |
| 10–12 March 2024 | Pusa Krishi Mela in Simdega |
| 10 March 2024 | Maoist Encounter in Hazaribagh |
| 14 March 2024 | Launch of Guruji Loan & Manki Munda Scholarship Schemes |
| March 2024 (ongoing) | Vande Bharat launch, Tribal Culture Centre, Highway Projects, Degree Colleges |
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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