Business Jharkhand Exclusive
Alka Tiwari Appointed as Jharkhand State Election Commissioner
Retired IAS officer Alka Tiwari has been appointed as Jharkhand’s State Election Commissioner for a four-year term, subject to the age limit of 65. A 1988-batch officer, she retired as Chief Secretary on September 30. She follows her husband, ex-CS D.K. Tiwari, who earlier held the same post. She will now oversee long-pending panchayat and municipal elections.
Aditya Sahu Appointed BJP Jharkhand Working President
BJP has named Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu as the new working president of its Jharkhand unit, replacing Ravindra Kumar Rai. The announcement was made by national general secretary Arun Singh. Leaders including Babulal Marandi and Arjun Munda congratulated him. Sahu, rising from booth-level worker to MP, pledged to strengthen the party and work for a double-engine Government in Jharkhand.
Triple Test Report Clears Deck for Jharkhand Civic Polls by January
The Backward Class Commission has submitted its final triple test report to the State Government, paving the way for municipal elections pending for over two and a half years. With Alka Tiwari appointed as State Election Commissioner, polls are likely in December or January. The Government must complete the process by March 2026 to avoid losing Rs. 2000 crore central grants.
Adani, Reliance Among Six Private Firms Show Interest in Nuclear Energy
At least six private companies, including Reliance Industries, Adani Power, Jindal Steel & Power, Tata Power, Hindalco, and JSW Energy, have expressed interest in setting up Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in partnership with NPCIL. Sixteen potential sites have been identified across six states—five in Gujarat, four in Madhya Pradesh, three in Odisha, two in Andhra Pradesh, and one each in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
RBI Makes Same-Day Cheque Clearance Mandatory from Today
Starting from 4th October, all banks must clear cheques within the same day under new RBI guidelines. Earlier, clearance took one to two days. Banks like HDFC and ICICI have informed customers about the change, urging them to maintain sufficient balance. The system will roll out in two phases, ensuring faster and more reliable cheque payments nationwide.
Saumitra P. Srivastava Appointed Director (Marketing) of Indian Oil
Indian Oil has appointed Saumitra P. Srivastava as its new Director (Marketing). With over three decades of experience, Srivastava has led several strategic initiatives including non-fuel retailing and retail transformation projects. An IIT Roorkee alumnus with an Executive MBA from SP Jain, he has previously headed retail operations in North and East India, and served as state head for Maharashtra and Goa.
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik to Visit Bokaro on 8th October
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik will visit Bokaro on 8th October, marking his first visit to the city. He will inspect key departments of the Bokaro Steel Plant, review modernization projects, and hold an internal review meeting with senior SAIL officials at Bokaro Niwas. A 1993-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, Poundrik took charge as Steel Secretary on 13th August 2024.
Income Tax Department Fines ACC Limited Rs. 23 Crore
The Income Tax Department has imposed a penalty of Rs. 23.07 crore on cement company ACC Limited. The fine relates to two cases misreporting of income for the assessment year 2015-16 and underreporting income for 2018-19. The action highlights stricter scrutiny on corporate tax compliance.
Bhilai Tops SAIL’s Cash Collection with Rs. 3096 Crore in September
SAIL recorded Rs. 10104 crore in cash collection in September 2025, against a target of Rs. 10500 crore. Bhilai Steel Plant led with Rs. 3096 crore, followed by Bokaro Steel Plant at Rs. 2035 crore. Heavy rains and floods in several states affected business, causing a shortfall. Despite challenges, Bhilai emerged as the top contributor among SAIL’s units.
BCCL to Hold Roadshow in New York Ahead of IPO Launch
BCCL is set to organize a roadshow in New York on Monday to attract American institutional investors ahead of its upcoming IPO. CMD Manoj Kumar Agrawal and Director (Technical) Sanjay Singh have already left for the US. The company aims to showcase its strong business model, bright future in coking coal demand, and growth strategy to build investor confidence.
Bokaro Steel Plant Begins Production of Special Steel for Solar Panels
Bokaro Steel Plant has started producing hot-dip galvanized steel for solar panel structures, reducing India’s dependence on imports from China and other countries. This rust-resistant and durable steel, costlier than regular steel, will meet the growing demand under the National Solar Mission and PM Surya Ghar Yojana. With a 500-ton target this year, the initiative is set to boost self-reliance, jobs, and solar expansion.
Back-to-Back Accidents at Bokaro Steel Plant Raise Safety Concerns
A contract worker at Bokaro Steel Plant died six days after suffering severe burns in the 28th Sept molten metal accident, while another worker lost four toes in a fresh incident at CRM-1 and 2. The mishaps sparked anger among locals and unions, with leaders alleging negligence. Authorities have launched an investigation, intensifying concerns over BSL’s safety standards.
Bokaro Steel Plant Workers Gear Up for 10th October Strike
Employees of Bokaro Steel Plant, led by BKAS Union, have called a strike on 10th October against the “illegal bonus formula” and its forced imposition for the third consecutive year. Union leaders are mobilizing support through meetings and social media. Workers demand production-linked bonus, revised incentive and promotion policies, better facilities, housing reforms, loans, and improved healthcare services.
Forest Clearance Delay Stalls Pataratu-Katia-Latehar Grid Project for 9 Years
The Pataratu-Katia-Latehar transmission line, vital for supplying 1,200 MW power from Patratu to Palamu and South Chotanagpur, remains stalled due to pending forest clearance for 29 out of 304 towers. Work began in 2012-13, with 90% towers erected, but halted since 2016-17. Delays led to theft of transmission wires during COVID-19, further crippling progress. Quality power supply remains uncertain.
Saranda Sanctuary Proposal Puts Jharkhand Govt in Legal Trouble
The move to declare Saranda forest a wildlife sanctuary has trapped the Jharkhand government in legal complications. Former PCCF (Wildlife) Satyajit Kumar proposed 575 sq km for sanctuary status beyond NGT’s 400 sq km directive without Government approval. Since the area covers major iron ore mines worth Rs. 25 lakh crore, mining projects face closure. The Supreme Court has warned strict action, with a key hearing set for 8th October.
Villagers Strongly Oppose Saranda’s Wildlife Sanctuary Proposal
Over 2,500 villagers in West Singhbhum gathered to protest the proposal to declare Saranda forest a wildlife sanctuary, fearing threats to their livelihood, culture, and traditions. Minister Deepak Biruwa assured that their concerns would be presented before the Supreme Court, stressing that public opinion will guide the government’s decision. Villagers insisted no decision is valid without Gram Sabha consent.
Heavy Rains Hit Coal India’s September Output, Down 3.9%
Coal India Limited’s production fell 3.9% in September 2025 to 48.97 MT, compared to 50.94 MT last year. Heavy rains and waterlogging in coal-rich states like Jharkhand disrupted mining operations. Subsidiaries BCCL, CCL, WCL, and MCL all missed targets. For April–September, output dropped to 329.14 MT from 341.35 MT, though CIL still supplies over 80% of domestic coal.
Coal India Misses H1 Production Target, NCL Only Unit to Exceed Goal
Coal India Limited produced 329.13 MT coal in April–September 2025, falling short of the 376.6 MT target. Dispatches also lagged at 353.59 MT against 422.75 MT. Among subsidiaries, only Northern Coalfields Limited exceeded its target with 69.38 MT output. Other units, including MCL, WCL, BCCL, CCL, and SECL, recorded lower-than-expected production amid rising national power demand.
Jharkhand Plans to End DVC Dependence in 7 Districts Within 4 Years
The Jharkhand Government has cleared six new grid and transmission projects to free seven DVC command area districts, Dhanbad, Deoghar, Dumka, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, and Bokaro from DVC’s 600 MW supply. Along with earlier approved projects, these will be completed in 3–4 years. With upcoming 1,755 MW from Patratu units, JBVNL will gain enough power to independently manage supply and reduce outside dependence.
CEO Issues Notices to 7 Unrecognized Political Parties in Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s Chief Electoral Officer, K Ravi Kumar, has issued show-cause notices to seven registered unrecognized political parties for failing to submit annual audited accounts for three years and election expenditure reports. Parties include Jharkhand Revolutionary Party, Jharkhand Party (Secular), Lok Jan Vikas Morcha, and others. Hearings are scheduled for 16th October 2025. Non-compliance may lead to their de-registration.
Posting of 212 Women Constables as Munshis Stalled After ADG’s Objection
The posting of 212 women constables from JAP, IRB, and SIRB to police stations across Jharkhand has been stalled after ADG JAP Priya Dubey objected. She argued that neither her consent nor the board’s approval was taken, calling the order irregular and unenforceable. Police HQ had issued the posting order on September 25, sparking the controversy.
ACB to Question Vinay Chaubey and Vinay Singh in Hazaribagh Land Scam
The Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) will soon take former DC Vinay Kumar Chaubey and Vinay Kumar Singh on remand in connection with the Hazaribagh forest land scam. Singh’s earlier arrest led to recovery of land deeds and documents, while Chaubey allegedly manipulated records during his tenure. ACB will also question Singh’s wife, her brother, and issue notices to several officials.
Gangster Mayank Singh Admits Role in 56 Crimes
In ATS custody, gangster Mayank Singh confessed to involvement in 56 criminal cases across Jharkhand and beyond. He revealed that ATS DSP Neeraj Kumar and Ramgarh SI Sonu Kumar were shot to project Aman Sahu gang’s dominance. Singh admitted to multiple extortion, firing, and threat cases targeting businessmen, coal traders, and officials, including multimillion-rupee ransom demands and violent intimidation.
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