Jharkhand Monthly Current Affairs – July 2024

Explore key political changes, socio-economic initiatives, cultural milestones, and legal affairs that shaped Jharkhand in July 2024.

Political & Administrative Highlights

Hemant Soren Returns as Chief Minister
On July 4, Hemant Soren resumed office as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister after the resignation of Champai Soren. This marked the third term for Hemant Soren as CM.
Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi Takes Oath as Chief Justice
On July 5, Justice Sarangi became the 15th Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court. The oath was administered by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in the presence of CM and senior judiciary officials.
Cabinet Expansion: Third Hemant Soren Ministry Formed
On July 8, the newly constituted Hemant Soren cabinet included 11 ministers, representing the ruling alliance’s renewed mandate.
Disqualification of MLAs Under Anti-Defection Law
Two legislators were disqualified by the Jharkhand Assembly Speaker for violating the provisions of the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).
- Enacted via the 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985), the law aims to promote political stability by penalizing party switching.
- This law emerged in response to rampant defection episodes, especially post the 1967 elections.

Mukhyamantri Behan-Beti Swavalamban Protsahan Yojana
Under this scheme:
- Women aged 21–50 from BPL families will receive ₹1,000 monthly assistance.
- Nearly 40 lakh women across Jharkhand are expected to benefit.
- This initiative is being rolled out under the ‘Aapki Sarkar-Aapke Dwar’ village outreach program.
SLBC’s Statewide Financial Inclusion Campaign
From July 1 to September 30, the State Level Bankers’ Committee began special drives across 4,345 panchayats to:
- Promote PM Jan Dhan accounts
- Ensure KYC updates
- Encourage insurance enrollment under government schemes.
Protest Against Ration Card Deletions
On July 14, food rights activists demanded the government stop automatic deletion of ration cards due to e-KYC failures, warning this could deprive lakhs of food entitlements.

Jharkhand Provides Aid to Flood-Hit Assam
Jharkhand sanctioned ₹2 crore in aid to Assam in response to severe floods that claimed 113 lives due to landslides, lightning, and storms.

27 Jharkhand Workers Stranded in Cameroon
- Workers taken by a private firm on March 31, 2024, have been unpaid for 4 months and are facing severe shortages of food and essentials.
- They appealed to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for evacuation assistance.
- Cameroon is located in West-Central Africa with its capital in Yaoundé, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, and the Atlantic Ocean.

High Court Issues Contempt Notice on ULB Election Delay
The Jharkhand High Court served a contempt notice to the Chief Secretary over persistent failure to conduct municipal elections, citing breach of constitutional obligations.
Major Crackdown on Maoists
- Between January and July 2024, security forces arrested 197 Maoist insurgents.
- ₹8.45 crore in bounties were declared for 55 top Maoist operatives still at large.
Train Robbery Case Solved
On July 15, GRP apprehended three individuals from Jharkhand involved in drugging and robbing passengers on the Mahanagri Express.

Constitutional Basis for HC Judges’ Appointment
- Under Article 217, High Court Judges are appointed by the President, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and Governor.
- For non-Chief Justice appointments, the Chief Justice of the concerned HC is also consulted.
About the Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Operates under the Ministry of Finance to investigate money laundering and foreign exchange violations.
- Plays a crucial role in high-profile cases like Hemant Soren’s recent investigation.
Money Laundering Explained
- Involves hiding the origin of illegally acquired money to make it appear legitimate.
- Globally, the practice accounts for 2–5% of world GDP, according to IMF.

169th Anniversary of the Santhal Rebellion
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Santhal heroes like Sidho, Kanho, Chand, Bhairav, Phulo, and Jhano during commemorations.
- This 1855–57 rebellion was among the first peasant uprisings against British oppression.
- It emerged as a response to the exploitative Permanent Land Settlement Act of 1793.
Santhal Community Facts
- Third largest Scheduled Tribe in India after Gonds and Bhils.
- Found majorly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
- Speak Santhali, a Kherwari dialect of the Munda language family, written in Ol-Chiki script.
- Deeply nature-worshipping, their faith is centered around sacred groves (Jaher).
- Primary livelihood: agriculture and forest-based seasonal work.

Ranchi Mind Fest 2024
- Organized on July 6 at Shaurya Auditorium, this interactive knowledge summit brought together civil servants and development experts to deliberate on urban governance and policy reforms.
Shravani Mela in Deoghar
- Commenced around July 21, attracting over 4 million Kanwariyas who offer holy Ganga water to Baba Baidyanath (Lord Shiva).
World Tribal Festival Preparations Underway
- On July 24, Minister Deepak Birua oversaw preparations for this 2-day August event, to be held at Birsa Munda Park, Ranchi.
Monsoon Alerts Issued
- The IMD issued orange alerts in early July warning of heavy rainfall in Ranchi and adjoining districts. Citizens were advised caution.

Sector	Key Highlights
Political Affairs	Hemant Soren’s 3rd CM term, Justice Sarangi appointed, new cabinet
Legal & Constitution	Anti-Defection Law invoked, ED & Judiciary updates
Welfare & Governance	Women’s stipend scheme, SLBC campaign, ration card protests
National & International	Jharkhand’s aid to Assam floods, stranded workers in Cameroon
Law & Order	Maoist arrests, HC contempt on ULB polls, train robbery bust
Cultural & Tribal Identity	Santhal Rebellion anniversary, tribal language & traditions
Events & Weather	Shravani Mela, Ranchi Mind Fest, monsoon alerts, Tribal Fest prep