Jharkhand, since its formation in 2000, has gradually evolved its policy framework to address the socio-economic and developmental needs of its people. Below is a comprehensive summary of some of the most significant policies and legislative measures undertaken in the state, especially those relevant to competitive exams and policy studies.

Domicile Policy in Jharkhand (2016)

• Announced on April 7, 2016, 15 years after the formation of Jharkhand.
• Under this policy, government jobs in Grade III and IV posts in scheduled areas are reserved for local residents for the next 10 years.
• A person is considered a local resident of Jharkhand if they fulfill any one of the following conditions:
  1. Resides within the geographical boundary of Jharkhand and either they or their ancestors are listed in the last land survey record (Khatiyan). In case of landless individuals, Gram Sabha will identify them based on prevalent language, culture, and traditions.
  2. Has been residing in Jharkhand for 30 years or more for reasons like business or employment, and has acquired immovable property. Their spouse/children are also considered locals if they take an oath to reside in Jharkhand.
  3. Employees/officers appointed in institutions/corporations run or recognized by the Jharkhand Government and their spouse/children, with a residence commitment affidavit.
  4. Central Government employees working in Jharkhand or their spouse/children, with residence commitment affidavit.
  5. Persons holding constitutional or legal positions in Jharkhand or their spouse/children, with residence commitment affidavit.
  6. Persons born in Jharkhand and have completed their matriculation or equivalent education from recognized institutions in Jharkhand, along with residence commitment affidavit.
• The current government proposed replacing this policy with a Khatiyan-based domicile policy of 1932, but the Governor has not approved it. The 1932-based policy is presently stalled due to controversies.

Jharkhand Solar Energy Policy – 2022

• Approved on February 25, 2022 by the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.
• Target: Establish 4000 MW solar energy capacity in the state by 2027. Key Goals:
  • 900 MW through floating solar power plants.
  • 400 MW through canal-top solar power plants.
  • Encourage private sector investment in solar power.
  • Estimated expenditure of ₹8163 crores till 2027.
  Incentives:
  • Exemption from entry tax on imported equipment for private companies.
  • Electricity duty waiver for five years.
  • JREDA (Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency) will assist in land acquisition for projects.

Jharkhand Sports Policy – 2022

• Provides 2% horizontal reservation in government jobs for sportspersons. Reward Structure:
  • Olympic/ Winter Olympic gold medal: ₹2 crore
  • Silver medal: ₹1 crore
  • Bronze medal: ₹75 lakh
  • Participation: ₹5 lakh
  Other Highlights:
  • “Day Boarding” or Mini Sports Complexes at block levels.
  • 25% attendance relaxation for international-level school athletes; 15% for national-level.
  • Sports fields in every Panchayat with trainers.
  • Establishment of Eklavya Sports Academies (Centers of Excellence) in districts based on sporting priority.
  • Digital database of all players, coaches, and sports infrastructure.

Jharkhand Tourism Policy – 2022

• Announced on July 24, 2022 by CM Hemant Soren in New Delhi.
• Promotes investment on a “First Come, First Serve” basis. Key Incentives:
  • Capital investment subsidy: 25% of investment or up to ₹10 crore.
  • 75% exemption on State GST for five years.
  • Exemptions on stamp duty and electricity duty for five years.
  • Special provisions for SC/ST, women, and differently-abled investors.
  • Single-window clearance system for investment proposals.
  Tourism Development Initiatives:
  • Beautification and civic upgrades at religious tourism sites.
  • Eco-tourism promotion: Development of eco-circuits like:
    • Latehar–Netarhat–Betla
    • Chandil–Dalma–Mirchaiya–Getalsud
  • Promotion of adventure tourism like paragliding, mountaineering, water sports.
  • Development of water sports infrastructure at dams such as:
    • Tilaiya, Chandil, Massanjore, Getalsud, Patratu, Kanke, Hatia, Kelaghagh.
  • Promotion of local culture via food festivals, inter-state cultural events, etc.

Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Bill – 2022

• Aims to enhance marketing of agricultural produce and livestock in Jharkhand. Key Provisions:
  • Establishment of public and private agricultural market yards.
  • Licensing of private markets by the state government.
  • Farmers can freely sell their produce, including retail sales.
  • Buyers to pay 2% cess; sellers exempted from tax.
  • Agricultural markets every 10 km with proper infrastructure.
  • Online marketing platform for farmers via electronic trading portals.

Jharkhand Pharmaceutical Policy – 2021

• Objective: Generate direct employment for 20,000 local youth.
• Target: Attract ₹2000 crore investment in the pharma sector.

Important Takeaways for Competitive Exams:

• 2016: Domicile Policy introduced with multiple eligibility categories.
• 2022: Multiple landmark policies including Solar Energy, Sports, Tourism, and Agriculture Marketing.
• Sports Reservation: 2% in jobs; high rewards for Olympic achievements.
• Tourism Boost: Massive incentives and eco-tourism circuits.
• Pharma Policy aims for employment + investment.
• Solar Policy includes JREDA assistance and tax exemptions for private players.

By understanding these recent and major policies, aspirants can enhance their preparation for Jharkhand State PSC exams, UPSC, and other competitive examinations where regional governance and development policies are frequently asked.

Jharkhand Pharmaceutical Policy 2021

This policy aims to develop Jharkhand as a pharmaceutical hub by offering financial and infrastructural support to investors.

Key Highlights:

• 50% subsidy on land for investors.
• Option to pay the land cost in 10 equal installments over 5 years.
• 25% capital investment incentive to investors.
• Interest subsidy on bank loans provided by the state government.
• Additional 5% incentives for SC/ST women and persons with disabilities.

Jharkhand Start-Up Policy 2021

The state has launched this policy to boost entrepreneurship and start-ups, particularly among underrepresented communities.

Key Provisions:

• Entrepreneurs will receive a stipend of ₹15,000 per month to support their ventures.
• SC/ST individuals, women, and persons with disabilities will receive ₹17,000 per month.
• (Earlier under the 2016 policy, the stipend was ₹8,000).

Mob Violence and Mob Lynching Bill 2021

Passed on 21st December 2021, this bill addresses the growing concern of mob violence and lynching in the state.

Activities Covered Under Mob Lynching:

1. Violence by two or more persons.
2. Social or economic boycott of any person or business.
3. Forcing a person out of their permanent residence.
4. Denial of public services like education, health, drinking water, transport.
5. Depriving individuals of fundamental rights or threatening them.
6. Violence based on religion, caste, gender, language, food habits, political affiliation, etc.

Punishments:

• 1–3 years imprisonment or fine of ₹1–3 lakhs.
• For aggravated harassment: up to 10 years’ imprisonment or ₹10 lakh fine.
• If mob lynching causes death: life imprisonment and fine of ₹5–25 lakhs.
• Jharkhand became the 4th Indian state after Manipur, Rajasthan, and West Bengal to pass such a law.
• Fines collected from culprits can be used for the victim’s treatment.

Local Candidates in Private Sector Employment Bill 2021

This progressive legislation provides 75% reservation in private sector jobs with monthly salaries up to ₹40,000 for local residents.

Important Points:

• Violation of rules by employers may incur a penalty up to ₹5 lakhs.
• A monitoring and investigation committee will oversee the recruitment process.

Applicability:

• Enterprises defined under:
  • Section 2(d) of the MSME Development Act, 2006.
  • Section 3(g) of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951.
  • Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
  • Societies Act, 1860 or Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.
  • Any establishment or individual employing 10 or more workers.
  • Outsourcing agencies working for state/central government enterprises.
• Jharkhand became the 3rd state, after Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, to implement this reservation.

Jharkhand Municipal (Amendment) Bill 2021

Key Features:

• Allows representation of independent and general citizens in municipalities.
• Empowers the state government to remove mayors of municipal corporations.
• Provision for election of mayor and deputy mayor through majority vote of elected councillors.

Jharkhand Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2021

Key Provisions

• Due to COVID-19, Panchayat elections were delayed.
• The state government may extend the tenure of gram panchayat, panchayat samiti, and zila parishad for over 6 months or until elections are conducted.
• Working committees will continue until the next elections.

Jharkhand Finance Bill 2021

This bill amends:

• Indian Stamp Duty Act, 1899
• Bihar Entertainment Duty Court Fees and Stamp Act, 1948

Highlights:

• Increase in stamp duties to boost revenue collection.
• Abolition of 110% additional stamp fee under the Bihar Entertainment Duty Act.

Jharkhand Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill 2021

Debt and Deficit Control Measures:

• State borrowing limits set to:
  • 4% of GSDP in 2021-22
  • 3.5% in 2022-23
  • 3% in 2023-24 to 2025-26
• Additional 0.5% borrowing allowed if power sector reforms are undertaken.

Jharkhand State Open University Bill 2021

The bill proposes the establishment of an open university in Ranchi to promote distance education in the state.

Key Provisions:

• Universities headquartered outside Jharkhand must close their distance programs within 1 year of this Act.
• Continuing such programs beyond the deadline will be deemed unauthorized.
• The state will provide a one-time grant, after which the university will be self-funded.
• Vice-Chancellor (VC) appointment will be based on recommendations by a five-member selection committee.

VC Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience as a professor or equivalent work in research/academic administration.

Selection Committee Composition:

• An educationist of national repute, nominated by the Governor.
• A Director/VC of a nationally recognized institute, nominated by the Governor.
• The senior-most serving VC of a Jharkhand state university.
• The VC of IGNOU or any other Open University (in case IGNOU VC is unavailable).
• The Principal Secretary of Higher Education, nominated by the state government.

Jharkhand Policies 2020: Sports, Tourism, and CSR – A Detailed Overview

The Government of Jharkhand introduced several transformative policies in 2020 aimed at promoting sports, enhancing the tourism sector, and formalizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions. These policies not only serve as a roadmap for sustainable development but also provide structured incentives for participation, investment, and excellence.

Jharkhand Sports Policy 2020

Announced on 29 December 2020

The primary objective of this policy is to promote sports culture across the state, provide incentives to athletes, and ensure grassroots-level sports infrastructure and training.

Key Highlights:

• Mandatory physical education and sports in the curriculum of all government and private schools from primary to senior secondary level.
• One hour of physical activity daily in all schools.
• Schools with playgrounds or stadiums will be developed as Rural Sports Centres—one per Assembly constituency.
• Special training in school campuses to nurture talented children into elite athletes.

Awards & Incentives:

• Introduction of the “Jaipal Singh Munda Award” for outstanding players and coaches.
• Cash rewards for medal winners:
  • Olympics:
    • 🥇 Gold – ₹2 Crore
    • 🥈 Silver – ₹1 Crore
    • 🥉 Bronze – ₹75 Lakh
  • World Cup/World Championships:
    • 🥇 Gold – ₹20 Lakh
    • 🥈 Silver – ₹15 Lakh
    • 🥉 Bronze – ₹10 Lakh
      ( Frequently asked in competitive exams)

Coaches & Retired Athletes:

• Rewards for coaches of medal-winning athletes.
• Honor and pensions for retired sportspersons of the state.

Support for Differently-Abled Athletes:

• Special preference for disabled sportspersons.
• District-level stadiums will be made accessible.
• Cash rewards for medal winners among disabled athletes.
  ( Exam-relevant provision)

Infrastructure & Development:

• Establishment of:
  • Sports Academies
  • Sports University in the Mega Sports Complex
  • Centres of Excellence for priority sports
• Rural Sports Centres to have “Khel Mitras” appointed on a 2-year contract to promote local participation.
• Free accommodation, boarding, equipment, competition exposure, nutritional and medical support for selected players.
• Annual Talent Hunt program to identify and nurture sports talent.
  ( Frequently asked in state exams)

Sports Associations:

• Only recognized associations will receive government grants.
• Associations must be registered under the Societies Act.
• For international events, up to ₹1 crore may be granted:
  • 50% in advance
  • 50% post-audit report submission

Jharkhand Tourism Policy 2020

Based on the model of Tourism Policy 2015, this policy aims to position Jharkhand as a key destination on the national tourism map.

Objectives:

• Create 75,000 jobs in the tourism sector.
• Provide attractive incentives and subsidies for investors and entrepreneurs.

Investment Incentives:

• 30% subsidy on the invested capital, up to a maximum of ₹10 crore.
• Additional 5% subsidy for investments in notified areas.
• 30% rebate on electricity tariffs for tourism units.
• 50% interest subsidy, up to ₹25 lakh for 5 years, on loans taken to start tourism units.
• 2% SGST rebate for 5 years on new tourism units.
• 75% discount on land conversion fees and stamp duty exemption.

Infrastructure Development:

• Parasnath Development Authority to be established for managing Madhuban and Parasnath.
• Development of Itkhori and Basukinath on the model of Deoghar.
• Eco-circuits development: Lathahar–Netarhat–Chandil–Betla–Dalma–Mirchaiya–Getalsud.
• Special focus on Netarhat for sustainable development.
• Creation of an Integrated Tribal Complex to showcase tribal culture.
• Establishment of Adventure Tourism Institute for training local youth.
• Creation of a Film City, with 15% subsidy on total film production cost for films shot in Jharkhand.
  (Often asked in film and tourism related questions)

Jharkhand CSR Policy 2020

Announced on 4 February 2021
This is Jharkhand’s first official CSR Policy.

Objectives:

• Attract CSR investment and create an enabling environment.
• Tackle developmental challenges through best CSR practices.
• Foster partnerships between government, corporates, and civil society.
• Ensure transparent and effective use of CSR funds.
• Synchronize CSR efforts with central/state schemes.

CSR Fund Sources:

• Private and Public Corporates
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Individuals and other eligible entities

CSR projects can be executed:

• Directly by corporates
• Through non-profits
• In partnerships with government or other corporates

Governance Framework:

• CSR Fund approval at two levels:
  • Level-1: District CSR Committee chaired by the Deputy Commissioner – for smaller funds
  • Level-2: Government Body/Executive Council – for larger funds (amount decided by Industry Department)

Implementation Tools:

• Launch of a dedicated CSR Portal for transparency and tracking.
• Formation of Jharkhand CSR Authority—replacing the previously formed CSR Council.
  (Important governance change)

Read more about Jharkhand Policies (Part II):-
https://jharkhandexam.in/key-policies-of-jharkhand-2011-2015-industrial-growth-solar-energy-tourism-and-food-security-explained-part-ii/