Coal Mining to Begin at Tokisud Block-II by 2026, Project to Generate 4000 Jobs
The Tokisud Block-II coal mine in Patratu, allotted by the Union Coal Ministry to 21st Century Mines Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, will begin production by December 2026. Spread over 500 acres, the 30-year project aims to produce 1.5 million tonnes of coal annually and create around 4000 direct and indirect jobs. Around 100 displaced families will be rehabilitated by the company.
Jharkhand High Court Summons BCCL and Dhanbad Municipal Corporation Over Alarming Air Pollution
The Jharkhand High Court has summoned BCCL, Dhanbad Municipal Corporation, and the State Pollution Control Board over worsening air pollution in Dhanbad. Hearing a PIL by Gramin Ekta Manch, the bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar sought detailed replies on corrective steps. The next hearing is scheduled for 17th November.
Jharkhand Govt Notifies New Road Tax Rules, Traders Opposed
The Jharkhand Government has enforced the Municipal Path (Road) Tax Rules, 2025, imposing entry fees on commercial vehicles entering municipal and panchayat limits. The move aims to boost local revenue but has sparked backlash from traders, who called it an additional financial strain. The rule covers all commercial vehicles except e-rickshaws, ambulances, school buses, and government vehicles.
India Targets 3.5 Crore New Jobs Under PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana: Rakesh Sinha
At an awareness programme organized by EPFO Ranchi in collaboration with the Jharkhand Chamber, Regional Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Sinha said the PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana aims to create 3.5 crore new jobs. The scheme offers EPF contribution subsidies for new hires to reduce employers’ financial burden. It will remain effective from August 2025 to July 2027.
Jharkhand High Court Seeks Replies from Amalgam Steel Firms in Rs. 500 Crores Power Scam Case
The Jharkhand High Court has sought detailed responses from Amalgam Steels & Power Ltd and Amalgam Steels Pvt Ltd over alleged Rs. 500 crores losses to the state through illegal electricity trading. The PIL, filed by Energy Watchdog, accused the firms of violating the Electricity Act. JBVNL admitted partial losses of Rs. 300 crores in its affidavit to the court.
Absence of Land Records Stalls Verification for Odisha Alloy Steel Project in Keredari
Verification of land for Odisha Alloy Steel Pvt. Ltd.’s proposed BC North coal block in Keredari has stalled as 15 revenue villages lack land records (Khatiyan). The Circle Officer has written to the Hazaribagh District Archives seeking copies for verification of GM, forest, and raiyati land. Officials warn that future coal mining expansion could worsen pollution across the region.
CM Hemant Soren Holds Legal Consultations in Delhi Over Saranda Sanctuary Issue
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren is in Delhi consulting legal experts on the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary case ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on 8th October. The State may seek more time from the court to review the social and economic impact on local communities. The ministerial group studying the issue has yet to submit its final report.
Declaring Entire Saranda Forest as Sanctuary May Harm Jharkhand’s Economy, Say Key Departments
Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on declaring Saranda Forest a wildlife sanctuary, Jharkhand’s mining, industry, and finance departments have opposed the move, calling it detrimental to the state’s economy. They warned it could halt mining, reduce iron ore availability worth ₹25–30 lakh crore, and affect Rs. 14 lakh crore in royalties and 4.2 lakh jobs. CM Hemant Soren is consulting legal experts in Delhi.
Jharkhand Cabinet Returns PESA Rules Proposal, Seeks Inputs from All Departments
The Jharkhand Cabinet has returned the Panchayati Raj Department’s proposal on PESA rules due to the absence of opinions from seven departments. Most have now submitted their views except the Home Department. The Panchayati Raj Department will re-seek inputs from three key departments before resubmitting the revised draft to the Cabinet within 15 working days for approval.
Voting for Ghatsila Bye-Election on 11th November, Counting on 14th November
The Election Commission of India has announced that voting for the Ghatsila (ST) Assembly bye-election will be held on 11th November, with results declared on 14th November. Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar said the Model Code of Conduct is now in force in Ghatsila, which has 2.55 lakh voters and 300 polling stations equipped with CCTV and webcasting for transparent polling.
ACB Arrests DRDA Director Alka Kumari in Hazaribag Khasmahal Land Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday arrested Alka Kumari, DRDA Director of Chatra district, in connection with the Khasmahal land scam from her office in Hazaribag. The arrest, led by ACB SP Arif Ikram, relates to her tenure as Sadar Circle Officer in Hazaribag. The ACB team, assisted by Sadar police, conducted the operation at Vikas Bhavan.
Third Arrest Made in Hazaribagh Khasmahal Land Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Vijay Pratap Singh, marking the third arrest in the Hazaribagh Khasmahal land scam. Earlier, IAS officer Vinay Chaubey and ex-official Vinod Chandra Jha were jailed. The probe revealed illegal transfer of 2.75 acres of trust land to private individuals through forged documents. More arrests are expected as investigations continue.
Welfare Minister Says Rs. 900 Crore Pending with Centre, Scholarship Distribution Hit
Jharkhand Welfare Minister Chamra Linda revealed that Rs. 900 crores remains pending with the Centre, delaying student scholarship disbursements. In a review meeting with officials, he urged early release of funds, stressing the Government’s commitment to education and social justice. Of the Rs. 1202.89 crores allocated between 2022–25, Rs. 745.55 crores has been disbursed to 7.45 lakh students so far.
Night Guard Shot by Criminals at NTPC Tori Coal Siding in Latehar
A night guard, Gopal Prasad (55), was shot and seriously injured late Sunday night at NTPC’s Tori coal siding in Latehar’s Chandwa area. Two armed assailants opened fire, allegedly linked to the Rahul Dubey gang. The injured guard was first taken to Chandwa Health Centre and later referred to RIMS. Police have launched an investigation.
Closure of Bhurkunda CHP Siding Leaves Hundreds Jobless, Local Economy Crippled
Once a hub of coal transport and employment, CCL’s Bhurkunda CHP railway siding has remained closed since 2018, leaving hundreds jobless and shuttering nearby hotels and shops. Despite coal production resuming at Balkudra open mine, coal is now sent 10 km away to Central Saunda siding, raising transport costs. Locals demand the reopening of Bhurkunda siding to restore livelihoods.
HEC Supply Workers Threaten Stir Over Missing PF Details and Salary Irregularities
Supply workers at Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) Ranchi have raised strong objections after receiving payslips without PF numbers and unclear deductions. The HEC Supply Workers’ Union alleged exploitation by outsourcing agencies and management’s silence on the issue. Despite decades of service, workers are being shown as newly employed. The union warned of renewed agitation if their grievances remain unaddressed.
DVC Releases 55000 Cusecs of Water from Jharkhand Dams, Flood Threat in South Bengal
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released 55000 cusecs of water from its Maithon and Panchet dams in Jharkhand, sparking flood concerns in South Bengal. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused DVC of releasing water without coordination to protect Jharkhand, causing floods in Bengal. Water levels at both reservoirs are nearing their maximum flood limits.
Usha Martin Foundation Empowers 25 Differently-Abled Persons with Mobility Aids
Usha Martin Foundation organized a Divyang Empowerment Camp at Ara Panchayat, distributing tricycles, wheelchairs, ear machines, and smart canes to 25 differently-abled beneficiaries. Khijri MLA Rajesh Kachhap hailed the initiative as a noble service to humanity. Foundation head Dr. Mayank Murari said such programs aim at inclusive rural development through skill training, awareness, and social empowerment.
Villagers Supplying Crores in Bauxite Royalty Forced to Walk on Broken Roads: Vijay Singh
Jharkhand Nawnirman Dal leader Vijay Singh visited bauxite mining villages in Gumla and condemned the deplorable road conditions despite the region contributing crores in royalty to the State. Roads from Itkiri to Serengdag and Aadar to Vimerla are nearly impassable. Singh warned of a mass agitation if road construction doesn’t begin within 15 days, accusing Hindalco of exploitation.
Workers Protested Against Radha Smelters in Bokaro Over Pending Wages
Tension started at DVC’s Bokaro Thermal Power Plant as displaced workers from Naya Basti protested against Radha Smelters, demanding three months of pending wages. The agitating workers blocked site officials, halting all work. Despite repeated assurances, payments remain unpaid. Workers warned they will not resume duties until full dues are cleared, vowing to continue their protest.
Over 14000 DMFT Schemes Sanctioned in Jamshedpur District
At the DMFT Governing Council meeting in Jamshedpur, officials revealed that 14169 schemes have been sanctioned, with 9675 completed so far across 196 mining-affected Panchayats. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, the meeting emphasized transparency, local participation, and priority-based planning to ensure that DMFT funds drive sustainable development in mining-affected areas through education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.
Garhwa DC Orders Strict Accountability, Sets Targets for Timely Delivery of Development Schemes
Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Yadav chaired a review in Garhwa, directing strict accountability and timely completion of development schemes. Officials were ordered to ensure 100 days MGNREGA work, full fund utilization under finance commissions, and expedite PMAY-G, PM Janman and social welfare payments. He also sought physical verification of solar lights, resolution of failed pension payouts, and upgrades for Anganwadi facilities.
Bokaro MLA Shweta Singh, DC Discuss Key Development Projects
Bokaro MLA Shweta Singh met District Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha to review ongoing and proposed development projects. She stressed quick issuance of key certificates and inclusion of resettlement areas in panchayats. Singh urged land allocation for projects like Kala Bhavan, Indoor Stadium, Sports Complex, and Science City. The DC assured prompt action to boost local development.
CCL Stopped LPG Supply to Workshop Canteen, 300 Employees Affected as Services Stop
Operations at the Central Workshop canteen in Barkakana have come to a standstill after CCL stopped supplying four LPG cylinders this month. The canteen, running since 1973, has also not received its grant for 14 months, leaving 11 workers jobless and around 300 employees without refreshments. Canteen staff protested, demanding subsidy restoration and minimum wage support from CCL management.
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