The Jharkhand Assembly on 26th August 2025 passed five bills through voice vote, including one that transfers the power of appointing university vice-chancellors from the Governor to the State Government. The decision, which came through the passage of the Jharkhand State University Bill, 2025, drew strong objections from BJP legislators, who alleged that the move would politicise higher education and reduce institutional autonomy.
Jharkhand MSME Bill Passed
Among the other bills passed was the Jharkhand MSME (Special Exemption) Bill, 2025, which aims to ease licensing requirements for new industries by providing approvals through a single-window system. The House also cleared the Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2025, which provides for registration and welfare schemes for workers associated with app-based platforms.
Two bills were introduced to regulate the functioning of coaching institutes. The Jharkhand Professional Educational Institutions Fee Regulation Bill, 2025, seeks to prevent arbitrary fee collection, while the Jharkhand Coaching Centre Regulation Bill, 2025, includes provisions for registration, student fee protection, and action against centers that close abruptly after collecting fees.
Also Read: Audit Report Tabled in Jharkhand Assembly Exposed Lapses in Financial Management
Taxi Union Welcomed Gig Workers Bill
The Jharkhand Taxi and App-Based Workers Union hailed Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2025, in the state Assembly, called it a “historic and revolutionary step.” Union president Surendra Singh said the legislation will provide long-awaited social security to gig workers, including taxi drivers, delivery personnel and those engaged with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Zomato and Swiggy. The union thanked Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Labour Welfare Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav. The union expressed hope that Jharkhand would become the first state to fully enforce such a law and set an example for the rest of the country.
Opposition Raised Objections, Government Defended
BJP MLA Naveen Jaiswal demanded that the University Bill be referred to a select committee, arguing that it seizes powers from the Governor and sets a wrong precedent. Other members raised issues over terminology and fee structures under different bills. Responding, Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the bills were framed after studying legal provisions and models followed in other states. He assured that all safeguards had been included to protect students, workers, and industries.
While the Government projected the set of legislations as progressive measures for industries, education, and worker welfare, the opposition maintained that the changes concentrated powers in the hands of the State and ignored checks and balances. With today’s session, the Assembly completed the passage of five important legislations shaping Jharkhand’s policy framework for 2025–26.
Also Read: CCL Announced Rs. 314 Crores Coal Mine Project in Ramgarh Jharkhand
Join the WhatsApp Group of Business Jharkhand to Stay tuned for all the latest updates of industrial-political developments in Jharkhand.
