“Key Policies of Jharkhand (2011–2015): Industrial Growth, Solar Energy, Tourism, and Food Security Explained “(Part II)

Jharkhand has undertaken multiple policy initiatives in recent years to promote inclusive development, industrial growth, and welfare of its citizens. Here’s a detailed overview of significant policies introduced or implemented in 2016, which are often asked in various competitive exams.

CSR Authority Structure in Jharkhand

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Authority in Jharkhand has a defined administrative structure comprising top-level state officials and industrial representatives:

• Chairperson: Chief Minister
• CEO: Industry Secretary
• Members:
  • Planning-cum-Finance Secretary
  • Secretary of School Education & Literacy
  • Secretary of Health, Medical Education & Family Welfare
  • Secretary of Rural Development
  • Secretary of Labour, Employment & Training
  • Director of Industries
• Member Secretary: A designated officer/consultant from the Industries Department
• Invitees:
  • Chairman of CII Jharkhand Chapter
  • Chairman of FICCI Jharkhand Chapter
  • Chairman of ASSOCHAM Jharkhand Chapter

Jharkhand Excise (Liquor Prohibition) Policy – 2016

The Liquor Prohibition Policy was implemented in 2016 with the following key provisions:

• All liquor bottles must compulsorily carry the warning: “Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health.”
• Sale of liquor to persons below 21 years of age is banned.
• Advertising and promotion of liquor is strictly prohibited in the state.
• Liquor shops are banned in Scheduled Gram Panchayats with over 50% tribal population.
• Pachwai (traditional alcohol) shops will not be licensed for retail sale.
• Limited permission for Pachwai is granted only during tribal festivals and social functions.
• Dry Days: Alcohol sales are banned on 15 August, 26 January, Gandhi Jayanti, Ram Navami, Dussehra, Holi, Eid, and Muharram.

Jharkhand Startup Policy – 2016

Announced on 6th October 2016, this policy aims to position Jharkhand among the top startup ecosystems by 2021.

• Goal to support 1000 general startups and 1500 innovation-based startups.
• Startup incubation centres to be set up over 1 lakh sq. ft. area.
• 10 prestigious institutions in Jharkhand to get ₹50 lakh each for 5 years to support incubators.
• The Department of IT will allocate ₹250 crore over 5 years.
• The fund will also be supported via Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy – 2016 *

This is a key component of the 2016 Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, focusing on the textile sector as a priority industry.

Highlights:

• Jharkhand produces ~40% of India’s Tasar silk, making it the largest Tasar silk producer.
• Jharkhand silk is globally renowned and exported to USA, UK, Germany, and France.
• The Jharkhand Silk Textile & Handicraft Development Authority (JHARCRAFT) was established in 2006:
  • Supports 2 lakh+ sericulturists, weavers, spinners, and artisans.
  • Operates 18 outlets across Ranchi, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
• Jharkhand is also a leading state in cotton yarn and handloom production.

Key Districts:

• Ranchi, Latehar, Palamu, Ramgarh, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Godda, Pakur, Sahebganj, Khunti

Key Projects:

• Silk Parks: Rajnagar (Seraikela-Kharsawan), Irba (Ranchi)
• Mega Textile Park: Deoghar
• Mega Handloom Clusters: Deoghar, Dumka, Sahebganj, Godda, Pakur, Jamtara

Policy Objectives:

• Achieve high and sustainable growth in the entire textile sector.
• Strengthen the value chain of the textile industry.
• Promote cooperative spinning mills.
• Modernize power loom sector to produce premium quality textiles.
• Promote IT adoption in design, marketing, and quality enhancement.
• Substitute imports and liberalize regulatory norms.
• Create a skilled workforce and generate 5 lakh jobs.

Jharkhand Affordable Housing Policy – 2016

Developed under the central government’s PMAY (Urban), this policy aims to ensure “Housing for All” in urban areas.

Key Features:

• Promotes housing through PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.
• Special focus on SC/ST/Backward Classes/Minorities, along with senior citizens and disabled.
• In colonies developed under PPP or private developers:
  • 10% of units reserved for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) in 4000 sq. m. areas.
  • 15% reserved in 3000 sq. m. colonies.
• Government will provide land for PPP projects.
  • 65% land for housing, 35% for commercial complexes.
  • Of the residential units, 50% must be reserved for EWS.

Financial Benefits:

• Central government support of up to ₹1 lakh for slum rehabilitation.
• Housing co-operative societies (with 100 members) can build colonies on subsidized government land.
• EWS (₹3 lakh annual income): eligible for 300 sq. ft. house.
• LIG (₹3–6 lakh income): eligible for 600 sq. ft. house.
• House price capped at ₹1200 per sq. ft. in urban areas.
• Housing loan of up to ₹6 lakh for 15 years at 6.5% annual interest.
• Construction subsidy:
  • ₹1.5 lakh from central government
  • ₹75,000 from state government
• Allotment via lottery system

Major Industrial Policies of Jharkhand: A Comprehensive Overview

Jharkhand, a mineral-rich state in eastern India, has implemented several forward-looking sector-specific industrial policies aimed at boosting growth, employment, exports, and investment. Below is a detailed breakdown of key policies, their goals, strategies, and incentives.

🔌 Jharkhand Electronics Design and Manufacturing (EDM) Policy – 2016

Objectives

• Make the electronics sector competitive keeping in view national and global demand.
• Develop a supply chain for raw materials and equipment.
• Achieve $2 billion in electronics exports from Jharkhand by 2020.
• Establish a minimum of 50 electronics-related units in the state over the next 10 years.
• Provide trained human resources for this industry.
• Manufacture sufficient electronics devices to meet rural needs.

Government Strategy

• Develop ESDM Innovation Hubs on at least 200 acres each in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad.
• Provide financial grants to companies using local raw materials.
• Ensure availability of land for investors as required.
• Provide basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water.

Government Subsidies & Incentives

• 20% capital subsidy on total capital cost (maximum limit).
• 5-year income tax exemption for all ESDM units.
• Exemption from stamp duty, transfer duty, and registration fees.
• 50% VAT relief on imported raw materials.
• 10-year electricity tax exemption for solar energy plants.
• Electricity tax rebate for residential rooftop solar systems.

Jharkhand BPO/BPM Policy – 2016

Vision

• Develop Jharkhand as a preferred destination for BPO and BPM services to generate new employment opportunities.

Policy Objectives

• Provide employment to 15,000 people across districts via supported BPO/BPM units by 2021.
• Promote urban and rural BPO/BPM establishments in all districts.
• Promote IT and ITeS sectors in small towns through infrastructural development.

Strategic Support & Incentives

1. Land Cost Reimbursement
   • ₹30,000 reimbursement for employees who are Jharkhand residents or completed education beyond class 10 in Jharkhand.
   • Valid for:
     • 5 years in A-type cities
     • 7 years in B-type cities
     • 9 years in C-type cities
2. Capital Incentives
   • Maximum subsidy of ₹1,00,000 per seat, reimbursed over time.
3. Operational Incentives
   • Reimbursement of up to ₹15,000 per seat per year on rent or lease for 3 years:
     • 100% in Year 1
     • 75% in Year 2
     • 50% in Year 3
4. Additional Incentives
   • 50% telecom cost reimbursement for 3 years (up to ₹30,000/seat/year).
   • 50% internet broadband cost reimbursement (up to ₹40,000/seat).
   • 15% solar energy cost reimbursement.
   • Electricity charge reimbursement for 3 years.
   • Training cost reimbursement of ₹4,000/month for up to 3 months per person.
   • ₹2 lakh assistance to participate in national-level exhibitions.
   • ₹500 EPF contribution per BPO/BPM professional for 3 years.
   • ₹10,000 support per employee for first-time employment.
   • Additional ₹500 per employee for differently-abled workers.

Jharkhand Food Processing Policy – 2015

Primary Goal

To promote food processing units by enhancing basic infrastructure, encouraging investment, expanding market networks, and providing technical assistance.

🛠️ Key Objectives

• Enhance processing levels, reduce waste, increase farmer income, and boost exports.
• Encourage minor forest products and herbal-based industries to uplift tribal incomes.
• Provide financial support for new food processing units and upgrade existing ones.
• Link producers and manufacturers to market systems.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and accessibility from production to consumption.
• Improve infrastructure for meat and fish shops to ensure health standards.

🧭 Focus Areas

The policy emphasizes:

• Capital investment
• Infrastructure development
• Skill development and training
• Technical and financial support
• Creation of a business-friendly environment

Jharkhand Export Policy – 2015

Primary Goal

Raise Jharkhand’s share in India’s total exports to 2% by 2019.

Key Features

• Implement a simplified, efficient, and responsive system to boost exports.
• Promote traditional exports like mineral-based products, handicrafts, handlooms, agriculture, and processed foods.
• Establish efficient cold-chain logistics to export seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers via air transport.
• Strengthen and support existing export units with required assistance.
• Align quality and environmental management systems with international standards.
• Promote international trade partnerships.
• Provide financial support to exporters.
• Conduct regular export awareness programs.

Implementation Measures

The government promotes:

• Single-window clearance
• Analytical export data systems
• E-governance
• Public-private partnerships
• Research and development programs

Jharkhand Film Policy – 2015

Goals

To encourage film production, promote folk arts, and support filmmaking in local languages of Jharkhand.

Institutional Support

• Establishment of Jharkhand Film Development Corporation
• Creation of a State Film Development Council

Jharkhand Film Policy Highlights

• Establishment of a State Film and Television Institute is proposed, evolving from the Sangeet Natak Academy.
• A Film City will be constructed, and investments in this sector will be actively encouraged.
• The institute will promote films based on Jharkhand’s folk culture.
• Easy-term loans will be provided for building film-related infrastructure.
• Land for Film City will be provided by the government at industrial rates.
• Film equipment will be available on rent to promote low-budget filmmaking.
• Subsidy for Multiplex Construction:
  • 100% in the first year
  • 75% in the second and third years
  • 50% in the fourth and fifth years
• Closed cinema halls will be revived, and small cinema halls will be supported.
• Solar-powered cinema halls will receive a subsidy equal to 50% of the total investment.
• Cinema halls can charge an extra ₹6 and ₹3 per ticket for air-conditioning and other facilities.
• Entertainment tax exemption based on shooting percentage:
  • 50% tax exemption for films shot 50% in the state
  • 75% tax exemption for films shot 75% in the state
• Electricity tax exemption for three years for installing captive power plant generators in cinema halls.
• Films made 75% within the state will be eligible for financial support under a newly created Film Development Fund, funded by a ₹2 surcharge per ticket.
• Subsidies for regional language films:
  • 50% for films in Jharkhand’s regional languages
  • 25% for Hindi and other regional language films
  • An annual grant of ₹10 crore will be set aside for this purpose.
• Films promoting tourist sites of Jharkhand will receive a subsidy of up to ₹50 lakh.
• Film festivals, awards, and strengthening of film societies will be organized to popularize cinema among the masses.

Jharkhand Industrial Park Policy, 2015

• Introduced with the aim of generating employment for residents of Jharkhand.
• The policy is valid for 5 years from the date of notification.
• As per Section 49 of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, the Deputy Commissioner will approve the establishment of Industrial Parks.
• The policy allows for establishment through:
  • Private Sector
  • Joint Ventures
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
• Industrial Parks must be developed on at least 50 acres and house minimum 15 industrial units.
• Special Industrial Parks in PPP or joint ventures need:
  • Minimum 10 acres
  • Minimum 5 industrial units
• Private investors must arrange their own land, but if state-owned land is available, up to 35% of total land may be allocated for at least 30 years.
• Land usage division:
  • 60% for industrial units
  • 40% for MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises)
  • 40% of the total land must be developed as green area or infrastructure
• Financial assistance for infrastructure:
  • 50% of project cost or ₹10 crore for regular parks
  • 50% of project cost or ₹7 crore for special industrial parks
• Assistance will be available for up to 10 years, renewable after 5 years.
• Industrial parks must be completed within 3 years of approval.
• Failure to comply may lead to government acquisition with Cabinet approval.

Jharkhand Automobile & Auto Component Policy, 2015

• India is the second-largest two-wheeler manufacturer globally.
• Jharkhand, especially Jamshedpur–Adityapur, is a significant auto cluster.
• The policy aims to:
  • Develop Jharkhand as a hub for automobile & auto-component manufacturing in eastern India.
  • Generate 50,000 additional employment opportunities by 2020.
  • Attract mega auto projects and create new auto clusters.
  • Strengthen existing auto clusters.
  • Encourage Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 auto component manufacturers.
  • Identify and resolve infrastructure shortcomings affecting this industry.
  • Promote skill development through PPP mode.

Jharkhand Single Window Clearance Act, 2015

• Enacted to promote industrial development and ease of doing business.
• Objectives:
  • Accelerate industrial growth
  • Provide fast-track clearance for licenses and approvals
  • Create an investment-friendly environment
  • Simplify regulatory frameworks
• A Governing Body will be formed:
  • Chief Minister as Chairperson
  • Members: Ministers of Industries, Finance, Revenue & Land Reforms, and the Chief Secretary
  • Industry Secretary will act as Member Secretary
• Duties of the Governing Body: Strategic planning and direction for approvals and simplification.
• A High-Level Committee under the Chief Secretary will:
  • Monitor and supervise Single Window Clearance operations.
• A Single Window Clearance Committee under the Principal Secretary of Industries will approve business operations.
• A District Executive Committee under the Deputy Commissioner will:
  • Oversee district-level nodal agency performance.
• District Nodal Agencies will guide entrepreneurs through the approval process.

Jharkhand Food Processing Industry Policy, 2015

• Formulated to leverage untapped agro-based opportunities and support agrarian communities.
• Over 50% of Jharkhand’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities.
• The state has a favorable climate for agriculture and great potential for agro-industrial growth.
• Food processing sector is seen as a key driver of employment and income generation.
• The policy aims to:
• Create new job opportunities
• Supply food to other states
• Generate additional income for the state

Jharkhand Food Processing Industry Policy

Objective:
To create a favorable environment for establishing food processing units in the state, encourage capital investment, promote technical upgrades, expand marketing networks, and offer grants and subsidies.

Key Provisions:

• 35% subsidy on the total cost of plant, machinery, and civil work.
  • Maximum ₹500 lakh in general areas
  • Up to 45% in Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) areas
• Primary Processing/Collection Centers in Rural Areas:
  • 50% subsidy in general areas
  • 75% subsidy in ITDP areas
  • Maximum assistance: ₹2.5 crore
• Cold Storage, Value Addition, and Preservation Infrastructure:
  • 35% subsidy (max ₹7 crore) in general areas
  • 50% in ITDP areas
• Meat and Fish Shop Establishment/Modernization:
  • 50% subsidy (max ₹5 lakh) in general areas
  • 75% subsidy in ITDP areas
• Special Focus Regions:
  • Dal Processing Unit in Garhwa and Palamu
  • Tomato Processing Unit in Latehar

Jharkhand Fodder Processing Industry Policy – 2015

Objective:
To promote animal husbandry (including meat, dairy, piggery, poultry, goatery, and fishery) by ensuring quality fodder availability, utilizing agricultural by-products, and boosting farmer income.

Key Features:

• 35% subsidy (max ₹500 lakh) for plant, machinery, and civil works in general areas
• 45% subsidy (max ₹500 lakh) in ITDP areas

Jharkhand Solar Energy Policy – 2015

Objective:
To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote renewable energy, and generate 2,650 MW of solar power by 2020.

Targets by Year (in MW):

Key Provisions:

• Promotion of solar parks using unproductive or barren land.
• JREDA (Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency) as the nodal agency.
• 53 government buildings selected for rooftop plants.
• 10-year exemption on electricity duty for solar projects.
• Deemed Industry Status for solar plants—exempt from industrial policy regulations.
• Commercial incentives for residential consumers installing rooftop systems.
• VAT exemption on solar equipment.
• Exemption from Pollution Clearance from State Pollution Control Board.

Jharkhand Tourism Policy – 2015

Objectives:

• Promote employment generation and increase tourist footfall
• Optimal utilization of resources to attract domestic and foreign tourists.
• Develop each site as a special tourist circuit.
• Encourage private sector participation in infrastructure development.
• Implement Master Plans for integrated tourism development.
• Promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage.

Focus Areas:

• Provide quality services to tourists.
• Preserve cultural monuments and heritage.
• Ensure public participation and community-based tourism.
• Promote adventure tourism (air, land, water-based).
• Facilitate religious tourism with better infrastructure.
• Highlight local handicrafts, customs, and traditions.

Jharkhand State Food Security Law – 2015

Implemented on 25th September 2015 in line with the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Key Highlights:

• 2.33 crore+ individuals covered under food security.
• 37 lakh+ individuals under Antyodaya Scheme:
  • 35 kg grains per household per month
• Priority households:
  • 5 kg grains per person per month
  • At ₹1/kg for rice and wheat
• Beneficiary Identification: Based on SECC 2011.
• BPL individuals aged 65+ get 10 kg grains free per month.
• Pregnant and lactating mothers:
  • Free meals through Anganwadi centers
  • ₹6,000 maternity benefit

Jharkhand Procurement Policy – 2014

This policy replaced the 2007 version to better support local Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs).

Key Features:

• Priority procurement of MSE products by the state government.
• Make MSEs competitive and self-reliant.
• Mandatory 20% procurement target from MSEs by:
  • Government departments
  • Agencies, corporations, development authorities, municipalities, co-operatives
  • Any company with ≥50% state government equity
• From 1st April 2017, 20% of total procurement must include both products and services from MSEs.
• 4% sub-reservation for SC/ST-owned MSEs.
• Departments must publish annual procurement reports online.
• MSE items are reserved under contract systems.
• Delayed payments resolved under MSMED Act, 2006 through Facilitation Council.

Jharkhand Right to Services Act – 2011

Objective:
To provide time-bound delivery of public services and hold officials accountable.

Salient Features:

• 172 services covered under the Act.
• Mandates timely service delivery.
• Penalty of ₹500–₹5,000 for delays, deducted from the official’s salary.

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