Jharkhand

Ranchi: A political storm has erupted in Jharkhand over the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR), ahead of the upcoming exercises in April. The process, aimed at updating voter lists, has become a point of contention between ruling and opposition parties. BJP Calls It Electoral Roll Purification According to Babulal Marandi, Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, the SIR is a routine process carried out across India every ten years. It ensures that deceased voters, those who have moved out of the state, and ineligible voters are removed from the rolls. Addressing the concerns about illegal entries, Marandi stated that the process is strictly under the Election Commission’s authority, and the goal is to safeguard the voting rights of genuine Indian citizens. Maran...

Ranchi: Displacement caused by irrigation projects and dam construction remains a pressing issue in Jharkhand, as many affected families continue to wait for government assistance. Meanwhile, farmers still face challenges in accessing water for their fields, even though large-scale dams and irrigation schemes have been implemented across the state. These concerns were highlighted during Thursday’s session of the Jharkhand Assembly. Industrial vs. Agricultural Water Access Several small and large irrigation projects have been initiated to provide water to farmlands across rural Jharkhand. While industrial units receive No Objection Certificates (NOCs) almost immediately for water access, farmers often face delays. Lawmakers raised concerns that many displaced residents have not receiv...

Ranchi: The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is set to present the state budget for the financial year 2026-27 on February 24 in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The proposed budget, to be introduced as the ‘Abua Dishom Budget’, is expected to be historic, particularly for women farmers in the state. Sources indicate that the budget size could touch nearly Rs 1.70 lakh crore, making it the largest budget in Jharkhand’s history. Women Farmers May Receive Special Focus The year 2026 has been declared the ‘International Year of Women Farmers’ by the United Nations. Against this global backdrop, the Jharkhand government is reportedly working on a strategy to bring women farmers to the centre of development policies. It is believed that the government may announce significan...