Saroj Kumar Jha Taken Appointed as Interim Chairman of Coal India
The Ministry of Coal has appointed Saroj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary in the ministry, as the interim Chairman of Coal India Limited from 1st November, following the retirement of P.M. Prasad on 31 October. Jha will serve until a permanent chairman is named. The transition comes alongside the retirement of Manoj Kumar, CMD of CMPDI, ensuring continuity in leadership across the coal sector.
ECL CMD Satish Jha Given Additional Charge of CMPDI Chief
Coal India has appointed Satish Jha, CMD of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), as the interim CMD of CMPDI after Manoj Kumar retired on 31st October. The Coal Ministry approved the move, and Jha will hold the post from 1st November 2025 for three months or until a regular appointment is made. The official order was issued by Coal India on 31st October.
Rajeev Kumar Sinha Appointed as Technical Director of CMPDI
Rajeev Kumar Sinha assumed charge as the new Technical Director of CMPDI on Friday. A mining engineering graduate from IIT-ISM Dhanbad (1990), he has 34 years of experience in India’s coal and mining sector. Before this role, he served in various positions at BCCL, CCL and CMPDI, beginning his career in BCCL’s Kusmunda area.
Jharkhand Earns Rs. 6246 Crore from Mineral Revenue in Five Months
Jharkhand has earned Rs. 6246.09 crore in mineral revenue till August 2025, including Rs. 3892.40 crore from royalty and Rs. 2352.68 crore from JMBL cess. Dhanbad, Chaibasa, Hazaribagh, Latehar and Pakur are top contributors. The State now collects 14% royalty on coal and revised cess of Rs. 250 per tonne on coal and Rs. 400 per tonne on iron ore. With digital monitoring and stricter checks, revenue has grown 12% over last year.
Kendu Patta Auction Brings Rs. 20 Crore Revenue in First Three Rounds
Jharkhand’s kendu Patta (leaves) are in high demand this year, earning the Forest Development Corporation nearly Rs. 20 crore from advance sale of 86 lots across three auction rounds, compared to just Rs. 4 crore last year. A total of 313 lots will be sold, with 2,01,750 standard bags already auctioned. Dhulabhumgarh leaves fetched the highest demand. The harvest begins in April, and over 10 lakh man-days of work will be generated.
Jharkhand to Showcase Industry, Tourism and Tribal Culture at India International Trade Fair 2025
Jharkhand will participate as a Focus State at the India International Trade Fair in Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam from 14th to 27th November. The state pavilion will highlight tourism, mining, industries, handicrafts, tribal art, MSME products, and investment opportunities under the “Invest Jharkhand” theme. Over 20 MSMEs will display items like Tasar Silk, Lac Crafts, Stone Art, Mushroom-based foods and Textile products. Jharkhand will celebrate its State Day on 25th November.
Jharkhand Chamber Discusses Industrial Growth and Jobs with Governor
A delegation of the newly elected Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar to discuss industrial development, job creation and key socio-economic issues. The Chamber proposed stronger industry–academia partnerships for skill development and raised concerns over delayed payments to contractors and shortage of doctors in the State. The Governor assured action on the suggestions and encouraged regular dialogue for the state’s inclusive growth.
Seraikela to Get First Ethanol Plant in Kolhan with Rs. 44 Crore Investment
An ethanol production unit with a capacity of 40 kilolitres per day will soon be set up in Nawadih, Seraikela-Kharsawan district, after receiving environmental clearance. The Rs. 44 crore project will use 90 MT of broken rice and 102 MT of maize daily to produce ethanol under the 100% ethanol blending programme. The plant will require 178 KL of water and 870 kW of power, with recycling and groundwater use planned.
CCL’s Chandragupt Coal Project Begins with Bhoomi Pujan and OB Removal
The long-awaited Chandragupt coal project of CCL in Joradagh, Keredari, formally began on 31 October with a bhoomi pujan ceremony, followed by the start of overburden (OB) removal by MDO contractor Sushil Infra. Senior CCL and MDO officials, along with local landowners, attended the event. Officials said the project will generate jobs and boost local development, praising villagers for their cooperation.
HEC Falls Short of Target but Records Higher Production and Dispatch
Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) has informed the Ministry of Heavy Industries that it could not meet its production target in the first half of FY 2025-26, though output and dispatch improved compared to last year. The company produced Rs. 72.75 crore between April and September, but cited worker unrest, old machinery, shortage of working capital, and skilled staff exit as key hurdles. HEC’s liabilities now stand at around Rs. 3000 crore.
GAIL’s Biogas Plant Near Shutdown as Ranchi Fails to Supply Required Wet Waste
The Rs. 26 crore biogas plant set up by GAIL in Jhiri is running at just half capacity because Ranchi Municipal Corporation is supplying only 60–70 tonnes of wet waste daily against the required 150 tonnes. After repeated complaints from GAIL, the civic body has ordered strict action against 370 bulk waste generators and warned that mixed waste will no longer be collected. Households too must now segregate waste or face penalties.
State Environment Chairman Inspects Khilari Coal Mines, Stresses on Green Measures
Jharkhand Environment, Forest and Climate Change Chairman Suraj Singh inspected several coal mines in the Khilari coal belt on Friday, reviewing pollution control, plantation and rehabilitation efforts. He directed CCL officials to improve dust control, protect water sources and expand greenery around mines, urging community participation. Singh said the government aims to create a “Green and Clean Jharkhand” through coordinated efforts across departments.
Bokaro Steel Plant Unveils Specialised Steel for Farm Machinery
Bokaro Steel Plant has developed 28MnB5 grade manganese-boron steel, the first of its kind in SAIL, designed for agricultural and wear-resistant equipment. The high-strength, durable alloy is suited for tools like ploughshares, cultivator blades and disc harrows. Over 60,000 tonnes have already been supplied, with production expected to reach 80000 tonnes a year. The innovation reduces import dependence and supports India’s drive for self-reliance in the farm sector.
Tarpulin Workers Protest at Banadag Siding, Operations Disrupted for Hours
Tarpulin workers at NTPC’s Banadag siding in Hazaribagh staged a protest on Friday over unpaid wages and job uncertainty, halting coal loading and other activities for several hours. Around 83 workers, who have not received honorarium for three months, demanded fulfilment of earlier employment promises made during land acquisition. After NTPC officials assured resolution within a week, the workers called off the protest but warned of fresh agitation if demands are ignored.
Villagers Protested Against Ashok Expansion Project, Demand Proper Rehabilitation
Villagers affected by CCL’s Ashok Expansion Project staged a mass protest outside the Piparwar GM office, alleging injustice and broken promises in the rehabilitation process. They demanded land leveling, basic facilities and cancellation of forced eviction notices before relocation. The protesters warned they will not vacate homes or allow project work until land mutation is cancelled and proper resettlement is ensured. Families say they’ve awaited compensation since 1974–75.
Supreme Court Summons Chief Secretaries Over Stray Dog Issue
The Supreme Court has ordered chief secretaries of all states and union territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to appear in person on 3rd November for failing to file compliance affidavits on stray dog control, despite an earlier order on 22nd August. The Court rejected requests for virtual appearance and expressed displeasure, saying its orders are not being respected. The case began after reports of rising dog-bite cases and rabies.
Jharkhand High Court Rejects Plea for Stone Mining in Saranda Forest
The Jharkhand High Court has refused to allow stone mining in the protected Saranda forest area, upholding the State Environment Authority’s decision. The court said the 2018 Sustainable Mining Plan applies to all minerals and mining in the no-mining zone would harm ecological balance, especially as Saranda is an elephant habitat. The petition by Nishant Roadlines was dismissed, prioritising forest conservation over commercial mining.
14 Jharkhand Police Officers Receive Dakshata Padak for Anti-Naxal Operation
Fourteen Jharkhand Police officers have been honoured with the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for their outstanding role in a special anti-Naxal operation in Bokaro. The awardees include two IGs, two DIGs, one SP, two SIs and six constables. The medal, instituted by the Union Home Ministry in 2024, recognises excellence in special operations, investigation, intelligence and forensics, and is announced every year on Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary.
Jharkhand Transfers Five Jail Superintendents to New Posts
The Jharkhand Government has issued an order transferring five jail superintendents. Kaushik Kumar has been posted to Godda Divisional Jail, while Gopal Chandra Mahato will take charge in Gumla. Neel Praveen Kullu has been assigned to Ramgarh Sub-Jail, and Parmeshwar Bhagat to Sahibganj Divisional Jail, with additional charge of Pakur. Chandrashekhar Prasad Suman has been shifted to Hazaribagh Central Jail.
CMPDI CMD Manoj Kumar Retires Along With Two Senior Officials
Manoj Kumar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of CMPDI, retired on Friday along with two senior officials Amar Kant Mishra, General Manager (S&T), and Venkatesh Chandra Pandey, Manager (Survey). A farewell ceremony was held at the organisation’s Mayuri Hall, where the retirees were honoured.
ISRO to Use Satellite Technology to Track Coal Fires in Jharia
ISRO has signed an MoU with Bharat Coking Coal Limited and CMPDI to map coal fires and land subsidence in Jharkhand’s Jharia Coalfield from 2025 to 2027. The study will use AI-based thermal and infrared satellite data for quarterly coal fire mapping, along with annual subsidence monitoring through NISAR and Sentinel-1 satellites. The findings will support BCCL in executing the Jharia Master Plan for better safety and management.
SAIL Posts Strong H1 Results with Higher Profit and Sales Growth
SAIL has recorded a solid performance in the first half of FY 2025-26, reporting revenue of Rs. 52626 crore and a 32% rise in profit after tax to Rs. 1112 crore. Crude steel output stayed stable at 9.5 million tonnes, while sales grew 16.7%. The company also reduced its debt to Rs. 26427 crore. CMD Amarendu Prakash credited operational efficiency and cost control for the strong results.
Dr. Rameshwar Oraon Named Chairman of Congress Disciplinary Committee in Jharkhand
The All India Congress Committee has appointed former Jharkhand minister Dr. Rameshwar Oraon as Chairman of the Jharkhand Congress Disciplinary Committee. Five members, Ashok Chaudhary, Manzoor Ahmed Ansari, Bhim Kumar, Manjula Hansda, and Abhilash Sahu have also been added, making the panel six-member strong. The decision, approved by Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, reflects the party’s trust in Dr. Oraon’s organisational and disciplinary experience.
New 1 kW Home Power Connection to Cost Rs. 4525 in Jharkhand
JBVNL has made security deposit mandatory for new electricity connections. A 1 kW domestic connection will now cost Rs. 4525, including Rs. 3950 as security deposit, Rs. 100 each for application and meter testing, and Rs. 375 for service connection. For commercial users, the charge is Rs. 7105. The revised rates apply across all area boards, with higher deposits for higher load applications.
Maoist Posters Found at Ghaghra Block Office, Police Probe Underway
Maoist posters were found pasted at the main gate of Ghaghra Block Office on Friday, resulting panic in the area. Issued in the name of the CPI (Maoist), the posters warned brokers, criticised police action against tribals, and accused governments of exploiting the poor. Police removed the posters and launched an investigation. The incident contradicts claims of Maoist-free zones in Jharkhand.
ED Presents Sixth Witness in Rs. 4.33 Crore Money Laundering Case
In the money laundering case against Mahavir Prasad Rungta and Rakesh Kumar Singhania, a sixth witness, Deepak Kumar Hotwani, recorded his statement in the PMLA court on Friday, confirming his 2019 ED statement. The accused are charged with laundering Rs. 4.33 crore through illegal iron ore transport using fake challans. ED has already seized assets worth Rs. 4.10 crore. The next hearing is scheduled for 20th November.
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Also Read: 31st October – Industrial and Political Headlines of Jharkhand
