Cabinet Cleared Triple Test, Paves Way for Municipal Polls in Jharkhand
The Jharkhand Cabinet has approved the Backward Commission’s “Triple Test,” clearing the path for municipal elections with OBC reservation. The reservation for SC, ST, and OBC will remain within the 50% cap and be based on population ratios. The Cabinet also approved 24 proposals, including declaring 314 sq km of Saranda as a wildlife sanctuary and granting child care leave to university staff.
Jharkhand Cabinet Declared Part of Saranda Forest a Wildlife Sanctuary
The Jharkhand Cabinet approved declaring 314.65 sq km of the Saranda forest in West Singhbhum as a wildlife sanctuary, a day before submitting its affidavit to the Supreme Court. The move includes creating a one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone. Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized protecting biodiversity while safeguarding tribal livelihoods. The court clarified that ongoing mining under valid clearances will remain unaffected.
Jharkhand Chamber to Focus on Boosting Local Industries and MSMEs
At its executive committee meeting in Ranchi, Jharkhand Chamber President Aditya Malhotra said promoting local industries, supporting MSMEs, and creating an investor-friendly environment are top priorities. The Chamber has raised key trade issues and formed 64 sub-committees for sectoral focus. Members urged policy reforms to accelerate industrialization and ensure stakeholder participation in shaping state industrial policies.
Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines Meeting Postponed
The meeting of the Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines, scheduled for 15th October has been postponed due to “unavoidable reasons,” as informed via email to members. The last meeting was held on 17th December 2024, the gap is raising concerns over the Government’s seriousness regarding coal mine safety. The committee is chaired by the Coal Minister.
Giridih MP Urges Coal India to Ease Rules Affecting Jharkhand’s Coal Traders
Giridih MP Chandraprakash Chaudhary met Coal India Chairman P.M. Prasad in Kolkata to discuss the crisis faced by Jharkhand’s coal traders due to new sampling norms and bank guarantee requirements. He said the rules have stalled business and hurt livelihoods. Coal India assured it is reviewing the policies to ensure fair practices and provide relief to affected traders.
Villagers Halt Coal Exploration in Latehar’s Goa Village, Demand Gram Sabha Consent
Villagers in Goa village of Latehar district stopped a CMPDI team from conducting coal exploration on Tuesday, alleging the work began without prior notice or Gram Sabha approval. Residents said officials entered fields with drilling machines without informing landowners. Fearing displacement, they warned that no survey or boring will be allowed until local consent is formally obtained.
Public Hearing Held for Environmental Clearance of Stone Mine in Shikaripara
A public hearing was organized in Shikaripara by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board for environmental clearance of the Salbona Pahar Stone Mine with Crusher. Officials including AC Rajiv Kumar and Kapildev Thakur attended. Villagers raised issues like drinking water, poor roads, housing, and non-functional schools. The mine’s proprietor assured necessary action, while officials promised site identification for an Anganwadi centre.
DGGI Raids Scrap Dealers in Bokaro over Rs. 20 Crores GST Evasion
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) team from Jamshedpur raided three premises of Bokaro-based scrap trader Pradeep Kalbaliya in Chas on Tuesday. The action followed allegations of Rs. 20-crores GST evasion through Rs. 100-crores fake invoices. Raids were conducted at Rani Sati Steel, Shri Narayani Impax, and Radha Swami Steel, where key documents were reportedly seized during the investigation.
Maoists Set Fire in Another Mobile Tower in West Singhbhum
Armed Maoists set fire to a private mobile tower in Bahda village, West Singhbhum, early Tuesday, marking the second such attack in three days. The rebels also pasted posters announcing a ‘vengeance week’ from October 8–14 and a shutdown on 15th October across several states. Police said the act shows Maoist frustration, affirming that anti-Naxal operations will continue strongly.
Supreme Court Sought Response from J’khand Govt and Against BJP MP Dhullu Mahato
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Jharkhand Government, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Income Tax Department over a plea seeking a court-monitored SIT probe against BJP MP Dhullu Mahato for alleged corruption and disproportionate assets. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order after hearing advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing petitioner Somnath Chatterjee, who sought an SIT led by a retired High Court judge.
Jharkhand HC Slams Govt for Delay in Municipal Polls, Seeks Clarity by 10th Nov
The Jharkhand High Court, hearing a contempt plea by Roshni Khalkho, criticized the State Government for delaying municipal elections. Despite completing the reservation “triple test” and appointing the Election Commissioner, the Government sought more time. Justice Ananda Sen refused the three-month extension request and asked the Commission to specify the minimum time needed, scheduling the next hearing for 10th November.
Centre Extended Tenure of 16th Finance Commission Till 30th November
The Central Government has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, setting 30th November as the new deadline for submitting its report. Constituted on 31st December 2023, under the chairmanship of former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya, the commission will recommend tax devolution between the Centre and states for the five-year period starting 1st April 2026.
ACB Nabs Seven from Maharashtra, Gujarat in Rs. 150-Crore Jharkhand Liquor Scam
Jharkhand’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested seven accused from Maharashtra and Gujarat in connection with a Rs. 150 crores liquor scam involving fake bank guarantees and contract violations. The accused, linked to seven service firms hired by Jharkhand State Beverages Limited, caused losses of over Rs. 129 crores. Earlier, several senior IAS officers and businessmen were also arrested but later released on bail.
Dr. Kumar Raja Takes Charge as Ranchi City Congress President
Dr. Kumar Raja officially assumed charge as the new President of the Ranchi Metropolitan Congress Committee at the party’s state office on Wednesday. Senior leaders, including State President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh and MLA Pradeep Yadav, attended the event. Kamlesh praised Raja’s leadership and dedication, while Raja vowed to strengthen the organization at the booth level and expand Congress’s public connect across Ranchi.
Protests Erupt Against Saranda Sanctuary Plan, Tribal Groups Threaten Blockade on 25th Oct
Tribal and indigenous groups in Chaibasa held a massive rally on Tuesday opposing the Jharkhand Government’s move to declare Saranda forest a wildlife sanctuary. Marching from Gandhi Maidan to the Collectorate, protestors submitted a memorandum warning of an economic blockade on 25th October if their demands are ignored. Leaders asserted that Saranda is their ancestral land and displacement will not be tolerated.
Jharkhand Police’s Strong Offensive Weakens Maoist Network
Jharkhand Police, led by DGP Anurag Gupta, achieved major success against Maoists in 2025, killing 32 rebels and arresting 266, including top commanders. Security forces recovered large quantities of arms, explosives, and cash while destroying 37 bunkers. Thirty Maoists also surrendered. The crackdown, along with intensified action on cybercrime, has significantly weakened extremist and criminal networks across the state.
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