Chamber Discusses Film Policy and Cleanliness Needs
The Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce held a joint meeting of its Film, Art & Culture Committee and Swachh Bharat Plantation Committee in Ranchi. Members discussed the need to implement the Jharkhand Film Policy to promote local-language films, demanded public toilets in commercial areas, and sought land for “Chamber Van” from the Forest Department. Chamber President Aditya Malhotra and other key members attended.
Top Energy Dept. Posts Vacant in Jharkhand for Over a Month
Since 1st October, the posts of Energy Secretary, JUVNL CMD and JBVNL MD have been vacant after Avinash Kumar became Chief Secretary. With no new appointment, major decisions, board meetings and payment clearances are stuck, affecting power supply, smart metering, rural electrification and transformer replacement. Officials say the energy department is the backbone of development, making early appointment crucial.
Centre Plans Closure of 147 Underground Coal Mines
The Coal Ministry has issued guidelines and invited draft proposals within 30 days to close 147 underground coal mines. Around 150 more loss-making mines are also under review and may be shut. The objective is to ensure scientific mine closure, environmental restoration, public health protection, and future land reuse by rehabilitating mining sites to near-natural condition for sustainable development.
RK Singh Appointed Executive Director (Excavation) in Coal India
RK Singh, currently posted as General Manager at CMPDI, has been appointed Executive Director (Excavation) in Coal India. With this elevation, he will now be part of the Coal India cadre and continue to be stationed at CMPDI, Ranchi. Singh will report directly to the Director (Human Resources) of Coal India. This marks a significant administrative upgrade within the PSU structure.
CCL GM Suman Kumar Transferred to BCCL
Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) General Manager (Civil) Suman Kumar has been transferred to Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). As per the notification issued, he will now report to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of BCCL. The transfer is part of the internal administrative reshuffle within Coal India subsidiaries.
Four Major Textile Firms Plan Exit from Jharkhand Over Better Odisha Incentives
Jharkhand’s textile sector is facing a crisis as four large companies plan to relocate to Odisha, citing poor industrial support. Firms say Odisha offers higher capital subsidy, full PF–ESI coverage, better worker benefits and land concessions, while Jharkhand’s policy lacks clarity and lower incentives. If the shift happens, around 6,000 workers in Ranchi’s Ormanjhi and Tata Road units may lose jobs.
Coal Ministry’s Safety Committee to Meet on 12th November
The Ministry of Coal has scheduled the Standing Committee on Safety meeting for 12 November in New Delhi, chaired by Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy. CMDs and CEOs of all coal companies, Coal India Chairman, and DGMS officials will attend. Worker unions including BMS, HMS, AITUC, CITU, CMAOI and IMMA will also participate in the high-level review.
CCL Workers Won Strike Over Sunday Duty Cut
CCL workers in Piparwar, Ashok and nearby projects organized a full-day strike on Sunday against the management’s order to cut Sunday duty. Coal production and dispatch remained completely halted, with women employees blocking office gates. Seeing 100% shutdown, management held talks and finally withdrew the order, agreeing to continue Sunday duty with paid holiday benefits. Work resumed in the second shift.
DMO Lock Opened, But Coal Lifters Still Stressed Over Pending Stock
After days of delay, the DMO lock was finally opened and coal lifting resumed in NK Area, where 16,300 tonnes from last month were still pending. With current month’s lifting already underway, traders fear they won’t be able to lift both months’ quota on time. They also demand that security money not be deducted, alleging heavy unofficial payments in the coal supply system.
BSL Produces High-Grade Electrical Steel for the First Time in SAIL
Bokaro Steel Plant has successfully developed 1100 tonnes of 0.5 mm IS 18316 LS Grade Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel, a first within SAIL. Made through SMS-II and rolled with precision, the steel is ideal for motors, generators, transformers and EV components. The achievement strengthens India’s self-reliance in specialised steel and supports the Make in India mission.
Vehicle Owners Protest Transporter Exploitation in Amrapali
Truck owners in Amrapali held a mass meeting at Chundru Dham, alleging exploitation by transporters who pay freight rates lower than those fixed in 2018 and 2024 despite rising diesel and spare-part costs. MLA Ujjwal Das assured support and promised to take the issue to the Chief Minister. A delegation will meet the CM to demand fair rates and enforcement of earlier agreements.
Villagers Halt Mining Work in Urimari Over Job & Compensation Demand
Villagers in Raska Tola stopped work at the New Birsa outsourcing mine, demanding jobs and compensation for what they claim is gair majrua khas land. CCL says the land is already acquired, and has written to the Hazaribag DC for verification. After talks, the company agreed to give jobs to seven villagers for now, allowing mining on a limited portion of land.
Contract Workers Threaten Strike in Amrapali Mine Over Non-Adjustment
Around 300 contract workers in Amrapali coal project are angry after only half of them were absorbed as promised in a 25th September meeting. While the OB contractor Ambe JV has taken its share, coal mining firm BLA has not adjusted its 50% quota. The Jharkhand Gramin Mazdoor Kalyan Sangh has warned that coal and OB production will be stopped from 6 November if demands are ignored.
Villagers Reject Land Papers Submitted to Company in Beltu
In Beltu village of Keradari block, residents organized a Gram Sabha and opposed documents allegedly submitted to a company for acquiring land under Khata 190. Villagers declared the 13th December 2023 Gram Sabha “fake,” cancelled the Forest Rights Committee, and resolved to punish any middleman helping the company. They also vowed not to sign or stamp any company-related papers without full village consent.
CIMFR Scientists Develop Methane Detector for Safer Coal Mines
Scientists at CIMFR, Dhanbad have developed an advanced Methane Gas detector to improve safety in underground coal mines. The portable device continuously monitors gas levels, issues audio-visual alarms when methane reaches danger levels, and automatically cuts power to prevent explosions. The system works on battery backup, displays readings on LED/LCD screens, and can transmit data up to one km away, helping protect workers and equipment.
Raiyats Warned of Stir Over Land Survey Errors in Banharadi Coal Project
Raiyats from several villages affected by the Banharadi coal project organized a meeting in Bari Panchayat, demanding immediate correction of land survey errors. JMM district president Lal Motinath Shahdeo assured support and said a delegation will meet the Deputy Commissioner soon. Villagers warned that if issues are not resolved at the administrative level, a massive Mahapanchayat and strong agitation will follow.
Bauxite Truck Owners Demand Cooperation from Hindalco
At a joint meeting in Chandwa, the Lohardaga–Gumla Bauxite Truck Owners’ Association warned that Hindalco must work in coordination with the association when mine operations resume, especially at Seregdah. Members said they suffered long losses with trucks lying idle and demanded fair listing of vehicles. They threatened agitation and stoppage of operations at Gurudari and Kujam mines if issues aren’t resolved within a week.
Bauxite Dumping Turned Hesal Into Dust Zone, Locals Warn of Protest
Heavy bauxite-laden trucks in Hesal village, Lohardaga, are causing daily traffic jams, damaged roads and rising air pollution, leaving residents struggling with health issues. Social worker Suraj Agrawal accused Hindalco and contractors of neglect, saying villagers “get only dust while crores are earned from bauxite.” Locals demand road repair, pollution control and strict monitoring, warning of agitation if authorities do not act.
Jharkhand Nears End of Naxal Violence, Only One District Still at Risk
Jharkhand has made major progress in curbing Naxal activities, with only West Singhbhum now marked as a “district of concern” in the latest review by the Union Home Ministry. The number of Naxal-affected districts in India has reduced from 46 to 38. Officials credit strong police action, community outreach, and development work, though continued vigilance is needed.
Babulal Marandi Slams Govt, Demands Action Against Corrupt Police Officers
BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accused the Jharkhand government of misusing the police force for revenge and corruption. He mentioned a case in Khunti, where a Bihar resident was allegedly framed by a sub-inspector. Marandi said mere suspension is not enough and corrupt officers should be jailed to set an example, warning that police misuse is becoming a pattern in the state.
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