Jharkhand Budget Session Highlights: Irrigation Delays, Displaced Families Await Relief, and Farmers Face Water Access Issues

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 received adequate benefits under government schemes, despite the completion of several irrigation projects.

According to Water Resources Minister Hafeezul Hasan, delays in completing irrigation projects are due to displacement, land acquisition, and forest land issues. To overcome these challenges, the government is now focusing on completing projects through underground pipelines. So far, 105 large and medium irrigation schemes have been completed, covering approximately 2.5 lakh hectares, with another 27 projects in progress. Completion by 2029–30 is expected to extend irrigation to around 4.4 lakh hectares. Currently, irrigation is available for 150 hectares under incomplete projects.

Rising Costs and Unfinished Projects

JLKMM MLA Jairam Kumar Mahto highlighted that while industries receive water access quickly, farmers face bureaucratic hurdles. Many dams built for irrigation are still unable to supply water effectively to farmland. The MLA also noted that numerous small, medium, and large irrigation projects remain incomplete, despite rising costs.

Other Key Issues Raised in Assembly

• Market Committees and Boards: BJP MLA Raj Singh raised the issue of over 700 vacancies in 28 market committees and marketing boards. Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said the recruitment process will proceed once the Jharkhand State Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Rules 2025 are finalized.
• Cultural and Infrastructure Development: Congress MLA Pradeep Yadav raised issues regarding public spaces, tribal cultural centers, and the Dhumkudiya building. The Welfare Department has assured necessary action.
• Animal Vaccination and Care: Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey confirmed that vaccination and veterinary care are being carried out under professional supervision. In Simdega district alone, over 1.26 lakh animals received medical care, 1,423 animals underwent surgery, and 4,929 animals were sterilized. Compensation provisions exist for animal deaths with postmortem reports.
• Paddy Procurement: Janardan Paswan (Janshakti Party) requested timely issuance of NOCs for paddy procurement. Recruitment of 232 block supply officers has been completed after verification, with a few remaining cases pending.
• Displaced Families at Chandil Dam: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Savita Mahto highlighted the 42-year-old Chandil Dam, which displaced 116 villages. Minister Hafeezul Hasan confirmed phased compensation, with Rs 13 crore already allocated for initial beneficiaries.
• Scholarship Distribution: Under the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana, 6.51 lakh applications were received. Scholarships have been paid to 4.56 lakh students, while remaining students in classes XI and XII will receive funds within two to three months, benefiting nearly 9 lakh students across the state.

Assembly Proceedings

The second day of the Jharkhand Assembly’s budget session saw both ruling and opposition members raise questions on local and state issues through short notice and starred questions. Members also highlighted concerns during Zero Hour and through attention notices, while discussions on the Governor’s address continued in the second half of the session. The government assured proper action on all raised issues.