The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has declared the native catfish species ‘Clarias Magur’ as the State Fish of Jharkhand, marking an important step toward preserving aquatic biodiversity and promoting sustainable fisheries. The decision came during the Cabinet meeting held on November 12, 2025, where several major administrative, infrastructural, and welfare-related proposals were also approved.
The declaration was approved following a request from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBFGR), Lucknow, aligning Jharkhand with other states that have designated state fish species to promote conservation and research. This move is expected to boost fish farming, local livelihood opportunities, and awareness about native aquatic species in the state.
Financial and Administrative Reforms
The Cabinet approved the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) notification format for the operation of the Guarantee Redemption Fund (GRF) and gave its nod to the revised irrevocable authorization letter format to be presented by the state government to the RBI for availing loans from the National Housing Bank (NHB) under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) scheme.
In a key administrative reform, the government approved amendments to the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department’s notification, allowing the creation of 1,315 posts of Head Forest Guards by repurposing the same number of Forest Guard posts from the total sanctioned 3,883 positions.
The Cabinet also cleared the installation of STEM Labs in 24 Chief Minister’s Excellence Schools (CM SoE)—one in each district—to enhance science and innovation-based education.
Educational, Pension, and Tourism Approvals
Approval was granted to include teachers and non-teaching staff of Netarhat Residential School, appointed through the Netarhat School Committee, under the Old Pension Scheme, ensuring long-term financial security for educators.
A significant tourism project was also sanctioned—the construction, operation, and management of the four-star Hotel Vaidyanath Vihar in Deoghar, to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at an estimated cost of ₹113.97 crore.
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The Sixth Jharkhand Legislative Assembly’s fourth (Winter) session will be convened from December 5 to December 11, 2025, as per the approved provisional schedule.
Infrastructure and Judicial Compliance
The Cabinet approved the release of ₹37.27 crore from the Jharkhand Contingency Fund for the Setu Bandhan Project under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
It also annulled the dismissal of Dr. Maithali Sharan, Tutor at Patliputra Medical College, Dhanbad, in compliance with the Jharkhand High Court’s order dated April 6, 2023 in Dr. Maithali Sharan vs State of Jharkhand (W.P. No. 1289/2014).
The Cabinet further approved the regularization of contractual non-teaching staff under the World Bank-supported Polytechnic Education Strengthening Project in the Department of Higher and Technical Education.
Modernization of Legal and Police Framework
To facilitate the rollout of India’s three new criminal laws, the Cabinet approved Model Rules for e-Sakshya and e-Summons, aimed at digitizing evidence and summons processes.
Amendments were also approved in the Jharkhand Police Radio Wireless Sub-Inspector Recruitment Rules, 2016, and in the India Reserve Battalion constable recruitment rules, streamlining appointments and ensuring efficiency in law enforcement.
Road and Infrastructure Projects
Two major road development projects received administrative approval:
₹133.01 crore for the widening and strengthening of Giridih–Jamua Road (SH-13), covering 28.44 km including land acquisition.
₹29.76 crore for improving the riding quality of the Simdega–Rengari–Kersai–Bolwa–Odisha border road, spanning 48.21 km.
Approvals Linked to Jharkhand Foundation Day
In view of the Jharkhand Foundation Day 2025 celebrations, the Cabinet approved the selection of an event management agency through a limited tender process for organizing the State Cultural Program. Given the limited time and importance of the event, approval was granted to issue the work order at a rate approximately 50% higher than the standard estimate.
Additionally, a 30-year paid lease of 147.05 acres of government land in Mouza Chakla, Chandwa Circle, Latehar District, was approved for Hindalco Industries Limited for its Chakla Coal Project.
