Voting which commenced at 7 am today, was held peacefully without any incidents of violence and surpassed 63.9 per cent voting in these 43 ACs in the 2019 Assembly Elections…reports Asian Lite News
The first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections, which kickstarted on Wednesday, recorded 64.86 per cent voter turnout at 5 pm across the 43 assembly constituencies, surpassing 63.9 per cent voting in the 2019 assembly elections, said the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Voting which commenced at 7 am today, was held peacefully without any incidents of violence and surpassed 63.9 per cent voting in these 43 ACs in the 2019 Assembly Elections.
The Election Commission said that the polling for 43 ACs in phase I of the Jharkhand Assembly elections concluded peacefully today with an impressive turnout of voters.
Polling was marked by a festive mood and enthusiastic participation across all districts, with large tribal populations, including areas affected by Left Wing Extremism.
Voters from diverse groups including first-time voters, the elderly, women, PwD, and tribals among others were seen exercising their franchise at polling stations across the 15 districts that went to polls today, undeterred by threats and boycott calls.
In the Budha Pahad area in the Garhwa district, once considered a stronghold of extremists, long queues, and peaceful polling at the Hesatu Polling station signaled the deep penetration of democratic ethos.
For the first time, this polling station was set up in the Budha Pahad area for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, allowing residents to vote in their own village, they stated.
Simultaneously, bye-polls were also held today in 31 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in 10 states and in the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala. 2 ACs in Sikkim were uncontested, the poll body stated.
CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu constantly monitored the situation across over 15,000 polling stations.
Meticulous planning and constant vigil by the Commission have ensured that the Jharkhand elections this time have been smooth and streamlined, with no repolls recorded so far. Webcasting was in place in 100 per cent polling stations to ensure transparency of the voting process.
In the Manoharpur and Jaganathpur Assembly constituency of West Singhbhum district, voters chose to cast their vote in spite of boycott posters and threat calls by extremists.
At polling stations in Sonapi in Jaganathpur AC and Rabangada in Manoharpur AC, security forces thwarted attempts to prevent voters from voting through boycott posters and blockades on the way.
The Election Commission said that Tribal voters participated enthusiastically and cast their votes at the polling stations.
For the first time, voters of Lakhaidih village in Potka AC (East Singhbhum district) having a 100 per cent tribal population voted at a polling station set up in their own village. Earlier, they had to travel to a nearby village to cast their vote which is nearly 25 km from the main road and 4 km away through dense forest and hilly route.
Ahead of the elections, 100 per cent enrollment of the 1.78 lakh members from 8 PVTGs in the state was ensured in the electoral roll.
Polling Stations were adorned with local themes and elements reflecting the culture of Jharkhand and offered a welcoming atmosphere to the voters. Basic facilities including first aid, drinking water, toilets, shed, ramps, wheelchairs and volunteers were ensured at all polling stations.
Vigilance and seizures have been fortified by the coordinated efforts of Enforcement agencies resulting in seizures worth over Rs 183 crores in Jharkhand since the announcement of elections including over Rs 145 crores worth of freebies and Rs. 13 crores in drugs. Polling officials were airlifted for 225 booths in five districts which were inaccessible due to dense forests, tough terrains and LWE, the poll body said.
Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said that the first phase of polling across 43 assembly constituencies has concluded peacefully.
“All complaints were addressed in time… As of 5 pm, the voter turnout was 64.86 per cent. Close of poll data is being collected across constituencies and will be released around midnight,” Kumar said. (ANI)
There are 11 Assembly constituencies where voting will be held till 5 P.M. in all polling stations…reports Asian Lite News
Voting for the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections began at 7 A.M. on 43 seats on Wednesday.
Out of 15,344 polling stations in the first phase, voting will be held till 4 P.M. in 950 constituencies in the state.
There are 11 Assembly constituencies where voting will be held till 5 P.M. in all polling stations.
These constituencies include Koderma, Barkatha, Barhi, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur East, Jamshedpur West, Majhgaon, Ranchi, Hatia, Panki and Bhawanathpur.
Prominent leaders contesting this phase include former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Champai Soren, ex- Chief Minister Madhu Koda’s wife Geeta Koda and Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji.
In the first phase of voting for 43 Assembly seats in Jharkhand there is a fierce contest between the NDA and INDIA Bloc.
In the 2019 elections, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 25 of these seats, while the BJP managed only 13.
The remaining seats were split among Independents (2), NCP (1), and JVM (1). This time, the NDA is looking to improve its tally, while the INDIA Bloc aims to consolidate its previous gains and expand its footprint further.
The prestige of six ministers and several prominent leaders is at stake in this phase.
Among them is Champai Soren, who, after joining the BJP just a month after being ousted from the Chief Minister’s chair, is contesting from his traditional stronghold in Saraikela.
Soren has won this seat six times since 1991, only facing defeat in 2000. This time, he is locked in a direct battle with Ganesh Mahali of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who was previously the BJP candidate here. The twist is that both have switched sides.
On the Lohardaga seat, Rameshwar Oraon, a Congress Minister in the Hemant Soren government, is up against Neeru Shanti Bhagat of the AJSU Party.
In 2019, a split in votes between BJP and AJSU candidates benefited Oraon. However, with BJP-AJSU united this time, Oraon faces a tougher challenge.
Garhwa constituency sees a triangular contest, with Minister Mithilesh Thakur defending his seat against BJP’s Satyendra Nath Tiwari and Samajwadi Party’s former Minister Girinath Singh, both of whom have previously been MLAs from this constituency.
On the Jamshedpur West seat, Congress Minister Banna Gupta is in a direct contest with former Minister Saryu Rai of the JD-U. Both have won this seat twice. Rai, who famously defeated then Chief Minister Raghubar Das in the 2019 elections from Jamshedpur East, has now returned to his former stronghold.
In Chaibasa, JMM Minister Deepak Birua faces BJP’s Geeta Balmuchu, a first-time candidate who has gained significant local traction due to her active social and political engagement.
JMM MLA and Minister Ramdas Soren on the Ghatsila seat is up against Babulal Soren, son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, running as a BJP candidate. This is Babulal’s electoral debut, with his father’s reputation backing him.
The Latehar seat is witnessing a high-stakes rivalry between JMM’s Baidyanath Ram and BJP’s Prakash Ram. Voters here have traditionally changed their MLA every election cycle. The question remains whether Baidyanath can break this pattern and secure consecutive wins.
In Ranchi, a high-profile constituency, former Speaker and BJP minister C.P. Singh faces JMM’s Dr Mahua Maji, a Rajya Sabha MP.
In Potka, BJP’s Meera Munda, wife of former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, is challenging sitting JMM MLA Sanjeev Sardar.
The Jaganathpur seat sees a battle between Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, and Congress MLA Sona Ram Sinku.
In Jamshedpur East, Congress spokesperson and former IPS officer Ajay Kumar is fighting against BJP’s Purnima Das Sahu, the daughter-in-law of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das. BJP rebel candidate Shivshankar Singh is also in the fray, adding a third angle to this contest.
Soren said the remaining seats will be contested by other parties of INDIA alliance and talks are underway with RJD and Left parties….reports Asian Lite News
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday announced that INDIA bloc will contest the Jharkhand Assembly polls together and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly .
Soren said the remaining seats will be contested by other parties of INDIA alliance and talks are underway with RJD and Left parties.
Ghulam Ahmed Mir, who is Congress incharge of Jharkhand, was also present in the press conference.
“INDIA bloc will contest the Jharkhand Assembly polls together. It has been decided that 70 seats in the state will be contested by the JMM and Congress. The rest of the seats will be discussed upon further,” Soren said.
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha as part of the UPA (United Progressive alliance) contested 43 seats, Congress contested 31 seats and the Rashtriya Janata Dal seven seats in the 81-member assembly.
The UPA attained victory by winning 47 seats against BJP’s 25 seats.
Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta said that INDIA Alliance is doing its work smoothly and people will vote to continue the ruling coalition government in the state.
“Our in charge, (state) president, CLP leader together sat down with INDIA Alliance team. Everything has become very systematic. There is no ‘if or but’ anywhere. INDIA Alliance is doing its work smoothly. We say this very confidently that people of Jharkhand will give a chance one again to the INDIA Alliance government led by Hemant Soren,” he said.
The Assembly polls in Jharkhand will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.
In a major boost to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, former BJP MLA from Jamua in Jharkhand, Kedar Hajra and former vice president of All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and ex-MLA from Chandankyari Umakant Rajak joined the JMM. Hemant Soren welcomed both the leaders into the JMM party. The nomination process has started for the first phase of Jharkhand polls.
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BJP announces first list of candidates
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The Bhartiya Janata party on Saturday announced the first list of 66 candidates for the Jharkhand Assembly elections.
Party’s state chief Babulal Marandi will contest the elections from Dhanwar, Lobin Hembrom from Borio and Sita Soren from Jamtara.
The former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Champai Soren has been nominated as the candidate from Saraikella, Geeta Balmuchu from Chaibasa, Geeta Koda from Jaganathpur and wife of Union Minister Arjun Munda, Meera Munda has been nominated from Potka.
Ragini Singh has been nominated from Jharia, Prunima Das Sahu from Jamshedpur east and Pushpa Devi Buiyan has been fielded from Chhatarpur.
Bharatiya Janata Party will contest the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections along with NDA allies; All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the party said on Friday.
According to the current agreement, AJSU will contest on 10 seats, JDU on 2 seats and LJP will contest the lone seat of Chatra, and BJP will contest on remaining 68 seats.
State BJP president Babulal Marandi, AJSU Chief Sudesh Mahato, along with Union Minister and election in-charge for Jharkhand, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and election co-incharge in Jharkhand, Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressed a joint press conference on Friday.
Former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Jharkhand elections will be contested by NDA together.
“In Jharkhand, BJP, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) will contest the elections together. An agreement has also been reached on seat sharing and candidates will be announced soon,” Chouhan said.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma detailed the seats that will be contested by BJP’s allies AJSU, JDU and LJP.
“Discussions are going on regarding seat sharing. As of now, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) will contest on 10 seats. Janata Dal (United) on 2 seats and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on one seat…There can be some adjustments on a few seats later, but this is the picture as of now,” Sarma said.
The 81-seat Jharkhand Assembly is going to elections November 13 and 20. Votes will be counted in the two states on November 23.
A total of 2.60 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in Jharkhand and there are 1.31 crore male and 1.29 crore female voters. The state has 11.84 lakh first-time voters. (ANI)
Sikandar Ali, a social worker and activist focusing on migrant worker issues, has urged both the Centre and state governments to implement effective diplomatic measures ensuring the safe return of these workers…reports Asian Lite News
As many as 27 workers from Jharkhand, who are currently stuck in Cameroon, have urgently requested the Indian government to facilitate their evacuation from the Central African country.
In a video message, the workers, from Bokaro, Giridih, and Hazaribagh, said that they were brought to Cameroon on March 31 this year by a private company. However, they have not received wages for the past four months from the company. The workers said they are facing severe shortages of food and water, and are unable to afford basic necessities such as phone recharges.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bebi Devi, Minister for Department of Women, Child Development and Societal Security, requested the Ministry of External Affairs to assist in ensuring safe return of the 27 stranded workers.
In the post, she said, “@DrSJaishankar sir, it is reported that 27 youths from Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Giridih districts of our Jharkhand state are stranded in Cameroon, South Africa. All of them were working in a private company there but they have not been paid their salary for the last four months…”
Sikandar Ali, a social worker and activist focusing on migrant worker issues, has urged both the Centre and state governments to implement effective diplomatic measures ensuring the safe return of these workers.
Several similar incidents have been reported previously in Jharkhand. In a recent incident, migrant labourers hailing from Bokaro, Giridih, and Hazaribagh districts were stranded in Saudi Arabia. Initially hired for construction work by a contractor, they found themselves stranded when the work abruptly ceased and their wages were withheld. This left them struggling financially and unable to return home.
Similarly, in 2022, workers from Jharkhand encountered a similar plight in Mali. After months without pay and with their passports seized by the contractor who recruited them, they resorted to social media to seek assistance.
Hemant Soren won the vote of trust with the votes of 45 MLAs in his favour…reports Asian Lite News
Days after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the third time, Hemant Soren won the floor test during a special session of the state assembly on Monday.
Hemant Soren won the vote of trust with the votes of 45 MLAs in his favour. He was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand in Raj Bhavan, Ranchi on July 4.
Hemant Soren was released from the Birsa Munda Jail on June 28 after nearly five months following bail from Jharkhand High Court in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. He had resigned as Chief Minister before his arrest on January 31. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January on charges related to an alleged land scam and money laundering.
Champai Soren who had taken over as the CM following the arrest, resigned from the post just five months after taking the oath, setting the ball rolling for Hemant Soren to again take over the role on Wednesday. Champai Soren had taken oath as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand in the Raj Bhavan on February 2 this year.
Earlier in a video message Hemant Soren had accused the BJP of leveling false allegations against him.
“In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly Elections, the people of Jharkhand gave our party mandate but the conspirators were unable to digest how an Adivasi youngster can sit in such a high position. At last, on January 31, they (the BJP) made false allegations against me and removed me from the post of Chief Minister. Because of the people’s blessings, I’m out here sitting in front of you. We will always be the voice of the people. Today, the public opinion of the people of Jharkhand will rise again. By taking charge, the work will be carried out again,”
Hemant Soren’s return as CM will bolster the JMM, which won three seats in the tribal-dominated state of Jharkhand in the Lok Sabha elections.
In 2019, JMM fought the assembly elections in alliance with the Congress and Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) and got a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house. (ANI)
India is perhaps the most musical and musically diverse region in the world. This diversity is evident in the folk traditions associated with different regions. Through this festival, we try to showcase the folk traditions of different regions. During the NCPA’s Living Traditions’ 13th Edition, the focus is on Jharkhand.
Established in 2000, Jharkhand is one of the newest states located in the North-eastern part of India. Meaning ‘The land of forests and bushes’, the region has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna coupled with a variety of minerals and beautiful natural resources including hills and waterfalls. The state is equally or more rich in its cultural heritage. Be it Chhau, Mundari, Kathi Mage, Dasai, or Nagpuri and Jhoomar, these performing art-forms are not only means of entertainment for the different tribes of adivasis, but they also have a place in worship.
During the two day event, over 100 artistes comprising six well-known troupes from various parts of Jharkhand will present varied forms of music, dance and folk theatre. Each presentation will be introduced with an appropriate socio-cultural and aesthetic context. Additionally, on both days, artisans will demonstrate mask-making and bamboo artwork in the Experimental Theatre foyer.
• #Day 1
• When: March 8, Friday- 6.30 pm
• Where: Experimental Theatre
• Tickets: BookMyShow
Nagpuri songs by Prithviraj Sinhdeo & group
Regarded as a derivative of Bhojpuri, Nagpuri is the main language of Sadan, an ethno-linguistic group of the Chhota Nagpur region, which covers some areas of Jharkhand and neighbouring states of Bihar, Chhatisgarh and Orissa. It is also the main language of several tribal groups such as: Kharia, Munda, Bhumij, Kurukh and others. Couched in Nagpuri language, the musical renditions are based on diverse melodies, reflecting the typical folk flavour of the region. Until recently, only locally made instruments were used for accompaniment.
Ho Dance by Uma Kumari & group
Ho Munda are the scheduled tribe of Singbhum district of Jharkhand. Performed together by men and women, it is essentially regarded as a courtship dance. But often, it is also performed during the harvest season and wedding celebrations. White, red and yellow colours dominate attires of both men and women. Holding each other, they move with the melody of bansuri (bamboo flute) in a semi-circular fashion with graceful footsteps and waist movements, matching with the beat of drums and percussion instruments such as dama, dumeng and rutu, to name a few. The songs vary with the change of season and occasion; as a result, there are several variations of this dance form. Mage Porob, organised in the month of Magh, is the well-known dancing festival of the Ho Munda community.
Gohaeer Jatra: Folk play written and directed by Deepak Lohar – A Presentation by Birsa Kala Kendra
The title of the play points to loud communication amidst the pandemonium of the countryside fair. This is the story of a village girl, Roopa, caught in human trafficking. The play unfolds the heartrending plight of the victim along with that of her brother, Kanhu, who also has his share of life struggles. The play has a tragic end, highlighting the menacing effects of rural poverty that is rampant in most Indian villages.
• #Day 2
• When: 9 March, Saturday – 6.30 pm
• Where: Experimental Theatre
• Tickets: BookMyShow
Kudmali Jhumar songs by Kamal Mahato & group
Regarded as an Indo-Aryan language, Kudmali is one of the several languages spoken in Bihar. While mainly prevalent in the Chhota Nagpur region of Jharkhand, it is also widespread in the border regions of Orissa and West Bengal. Though mainly written in Bangla script, Kudmali literature is also available in other languages such as Devnagri and Odiya. Closely linked with the lives of common people, Kudmali folk songs are simple, yet appealing. There is no aspect of life in this region that can be considered complete without the inclusion of these extremely popular songs, known as Kudmali jhumar geet.
Chhau dance by Dildar Ansari & group
Recognised by the UNESCO as the intangible cultural heritage of the humanity, chhau is a popular dance form prevalent in the three states of eastern India: Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Although there are regional variations, generally, topics range from the great epics to mythology, nature, and even folklore, that are presented using combinations of hand, neck and eye movements. Some varieties also deploy martial arts techniques. Instruments used are: bamboo flute, cymbals and varieties of native drums. Within the state of Jharkhand, there are three prevalent styles of chhau: Saraikela, Kharsawa and Manbhum. This chhau dance presentation revolves around the hunting tradition of this region replete with lush green hills, forests, animals and tribals, in which hunters kill animals for their flesh. When persuaded by their wives to abandon the age-old anti-environmental practice, hunters understand the importance of maintaining an ecological balance by protecting all kinds of flora and fauna, that would in turn protect the human species.
Phurgal Dishom Rin Bir Ko: Folk play by Jeet Rai Hansda & group
The play portrays the saga of several adivasi men who fought relentlessly with the rulers of British Empire in pursuit of freedom. Starting in 1784, Baba Tilka Manjhi led uprising against British landlords at Bhagalpur. His brutal execution gave impetus to further rebellion by other young men including four brothers: Siddhu, Kaku, Chand and Bhairav around 1855, who dared to fight British along with thousands of adivasis from Santhal region. Legend has that their sisters as well as lovers also joined the freedom struggle. Later, Birsa Munda led the struggle from Chhota Nagpur region. The sacrifices made by these iconic leaders along with thousands of men, women and children are depicted in a style replete with song, dance and action.
Pitching his demand for the caste census, the Congress leader added, “We want the caste census to be done …reports Asian Lite News
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of “spreading hatred and violence” in the country.
He was addressing a gathering during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Jharkhand’s Khunti on Tuesday.
“…We felt that the BJP and the RSS have spread hatred and violence in the country…So I thought of coming between you all, uniting and addressing your issues…,” Wayanand MP said.
“This is the target of the Nyay Yatra,” he added.
Later, speaking at a press conference, while responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘biggest OBC’ remark, he said, “The question is in front of everyone. PM calls himself OBC. In between, he got confused and then started saying that there are only two castes in the country: rich and poor. So he should decide first…”
Pitching his demand for the caste census, the Congress leader added, “We want the caste census to be done (across the country)…”
During his yatra, he earlier posted in hindi on X, “There is a 50 per cent limit on reservation, we will uproot it – this is the guarantee of Congress and INDIA.”
The Nyay Yatra is currently passing through Jharkhand, where Congress is an ally in the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Earlier in the day, the former Congress president paid tribute to tribal leader Birsa Munda and met with the fourth generation of his family.
The Congress leader has embarked on the Yatra ahead of Lok Sabha elections just few months away.
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur’s Thoubal on January 14. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. It will cover a distance of 6,713 km, straddling 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly segments and covering 110 districts.
The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20, after 67 days.
A follow-up to the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ which saw Rahul Gandhi cover more than 3,000 kilometres on foot–from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar–the Yatra 2.0 is following a hybrid format. (ANI)
The coalition government won the floor test with a 47:29 majority….reports Asian Lite News
The newly formed government of Jharkhand, led by Chief Minister Champai Soren, passed the confidence motion in the state Assembly on Monday.
The coalition government won the floor test with a 47:29 majority.
The Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato asked the members of the House who were in favour and against the motion to stand at their places one by one.
“(A total of) 47 votes have been received in favour of the motion. There were 29 votes against the motion. Thus, this House passes the trust vote,” the Speaker said before adjourning the House till 11 am on Tuesday.
In the 81-member assembly, the half way mark for a majority is 41.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with 29 seats, and its ally Congress with 17 were confident of easily sailing through the trust vote.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister, who was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement in the alleged land scam, Hemant Soren was also present in the Assembly to attend the floor test. A special court in Ranchi allowed Soren to participate in the trust-vote.
Participating in the debate, Hemant Soren, said that his arrest is just an example of the oppression faced by tribals and Dalits in society in multiple ways.
“If you look back at the oppression faced by adivasis, backward, Dalits and minorities, it has been brought forward in multiple ways in different forms. January 31 is an example of this oppression,” he said.
Lashing out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, the former Chief Minister said, “I do not understand why the ruling (central) government has so much hatred towards adivasis and dalits…They don’t hesitate to say that we should remain in jungles. If we come out of jungle their graves will get dirty. They think that we are untouchables.”
Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren while setting off the debate on the trust motion said that the Centre is misusing the agencies.
“The one who is ruling the Central government misused agencies. In 2019, Hemant got the mandate. Such a Chief Minister is arrested in a land scam case,” the Chief Minister said supporting his predecessor.
Hemant Soren brought back to ED office
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was brought back to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the Champai Soren-led Jharkhand government won the Trust Vote in the State Assembly on Monday.
The newly formed government of Jharkhand, led by Chief Minister Champai Soren, passed the confidence motion in the state Assembly on Monday.
The coalition government won the floor test with a 47:29 majority.
The Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato asked the members of the House who were in favour and against the motion to stand at their places one by one.
“(A total of) 47 votes have been received in favour of the motion. There were 29 votes against the motion. Thus, this House passes the Trust Vote,” the Speaker said before adjourning the House till 11 am on Tuesday.
In the 81-member assembly, the halfway mark for a majority is 41.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with 29 seats, and its ally Congress with 17 were confident of easily sailing through the Trust Vote.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister, who was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement in the alleged land scam, Hemant Soren was also present in the Assembly to attend the floor test. A special court in Ranchi allowed Soren to participate in the trust vote.
Participating in the debate, Hemant Soren, said that his arrest is just an example of the oppression faced by tribals and Dalits in society in multiple ways.
“If you look back at the oppression faced by adivasis, backward, Dalits and minorities, it has been brought forward in multiple ways in different forms. January 31 is an example of this oppression,” he said. (ANI)
Secretary Sports Jharkhand, IAS, Manoj Kumar said, “We are proud to be associated with the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, a momentous event that resonates with the spirit of sportsmanship…reports Asian Lite News
Jharkhand is all set to host the FIH Hockey Olympics Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, scheduled to take place from January 13-19 2024 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. This prestigious event is one of the three Olympics Qualifiers happening globally, with counterparts in Muscat, Oman (Men’s) and Valencia, Spain (Women’s and Men’s), as per a press release from Hockey India. The aforementioned event was originally slated to be held in China, but Hockey India requested FIH to shift the venue to India after China Women’s directly qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Hockey India, in a momentous occasion marked by unity and anticipation, on Thursday formally inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for hosting the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 in Jharkhand. The historic event unfolded amidst the esteemed presence of eminent dignitaries, including Indian women’s hockey team players, Secretary Sports Jharkhand, IAS, Manoj Kumar and Director Sports, Jharkhand, IAS, Sushant Gaurav, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh and Hockey India Treasurer Sekar J Manoharan were present at the occasion.
The formal signing of the MoU showcased a collective commitment and shared vision among all stakeholders involved, emphasizing the dedication to promoting and fostering the growth of hockey in India, while also showcasing the nation’s prowess on the global hockey stage. Speaking on this momentous occasion, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey expressed profound enthusiasm, stating, “The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi stand as a testament to India’s commitment to the sport and our relentless pursuit of excellence. We are immensely grateful for the support extended by the Jharkhand Government. Together, we aim to deliver a memorable and successful tournament, promoting the spirit of hockey and fostering international camaraderie.”
Echoing similar thoughts, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, “This MoU signing for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards promoting hockey in India. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jharkhand Government for their unwavering support in hosting this elite tournament. Together, we aim to deliver a world-class event that will further elevate the sport’s stature in our nation.”
Meanwhile, Secretary Sports Jharkhand, IAS, Manoj Kumar said, “We are proud to be associated with the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, a momentous event that resonates with the spirit of sportsmanship. Jharkhand is honoured to host this prestigious tournament and welcomes players, officials, and fans alike. This collaboration with Hockey India underscores our commitment to encourage sporting excellence and showcasing Jharkhand as a vibrant sporting destination.”
The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 is poised to be a spectacle that will captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the exceptional talent and passion for hockey prevalent in India. This event is expected to leave an indelible mark in the archives of international hockey, serving as a platform for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team to exhibit their prowess and compete for a coveted spot at the grand stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As the countdown begins for this momentous event scheduled from January 13 to 19, 2024, all eyes turn to Ranchi, eagerly anticipating a thrilling display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship on the turf. On January 13, 2024, India will take on United States at 1930 hours IST. (ANI)
Chief Minister Hemant Soren-led government of Jharkhand is dedicated to the all-around development of all with emphasis on social justice. Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar is a unique effort of the Chief Minister to reach out to the people at the remotest corners of the state, knowing their problems face to face and enrolling them in various social welfare schemes floated by the Jharkhand government. The Chief Minister is personally present in all the meetings across the state.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand government is fully committed to the overall development of every section and every geographical area of the state. In the four years since 2019, the government has taken many steps which are providing direct benefits to all sections of the society living in every nook and corner of the state along with social justice to ensure all-around development. To ensure that no section of the state remains untouched, the schemes are monitored at the level of Chief Minister Hemant Soren from planning to their implementation and it is ensured that the benefits of every scheme reach to every beneficiary. For this, the Soren government is also running the ‘Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar’ campaign.
Let’s know about some of the major public welfare schemes of the Government of Jharkhand:
Sona Sobran Dhoti-Saree- Lungi Vitaran Yojana
The basic needs of every person include food, clothing and shelter. Jharkhand government is taking care of food and shelter along with clothes for the needy. Dhoti, lungi and saree are being distributed from the shops of the Public Distribution System on the scheduled date every month.
Under the Sona Sobran Dhoti-Saree- Lungi Distribution Scheme, the state government provides dhoti/sari for Rs 10 twice a year at an interval of every 6 months to all the eligible households of the National Food Security Act along with the beneficiary families of Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Green Ration Card. Lungi and a saree are being given for just Rs 10.
More than 65 lakh beneficiaries across Jharkhand are getting this benefit twice a year.
To ensure that the beneficiaries can easily avail the benefits of this scheme, these clothes are being distributed using the strong network of Public Distribution System.
To avail the benefits of this scheme, it is necessary to be a ration card holder. Beneficiaries can avail the benefits of this scheme by showing identity card issued by the government such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, letter recommended by the Mukhiya or Ward Councilor.
Mukhyamantri Utkrisht Vidyalaya
For the first time in the history of Jharkhand, a new dimension was added to the education revolution. 80 Chief Minister Utkrisht Vidyalayas (Schools of Excellence) are established at the district level to ensure excellence in education.
Every Indian has the right to get better education. We all know that at the heart of better education lies a school. A school which not only has strong infrastructure but also ensures the academic environment, community relations and leadership development of teachers. A School of Excellence fulfills such needs.
These schools will be constructed in every Panchayat. About 40,000 children had given the entrance examination for 12,000 seats in these schools.
Along with this, Soren government is constructing 325 block level model schools in the entire state. At the same time, 4,091 Gram Panchayat level model schools are being established in the entire state.
All these will be CBSE affiliated English medium schools. These will also have facilities for digital smart classes, science and language labs and national level sports training along with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Guruji Student Credit Card Yojana
To provide financial assistance to the 10th and 12th class passed (10th class passed for Diploma students) students of Jharkhand, who are deprived of getting higher education due to financial reasons, the state government has launched and implemented Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme.
Under the scheme, the objective is to provide loans up to Rs 15 lakh at concessional rates for higher education to interested and qualified students by linking them with banks. There will be no processing fee for the loan.
The applicant is getting easy loan at an annual simple interest rate of 4 percent. No margin money on loans up to Rs 4 lakh.
The applicant will not have to keep any collateral. Also, the period to repay the loan will be up to 15 years (including the course period). Apart from the course fee, it also covers the expenses on hostel, mess fee, travel etc.
Under this scheme, the government will give a total loan of Rs 500 crore every year to all the meritorious students of the state. The state government will provide 100 percent guarantee cover of the loan amount to the banks.
Paardeshiya Chhatravriti Yojana
50 youth from the deprived class have gone abroad for higher education by taking advantage of the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Paardeshiya Chhatravriti Yojana (Overseas Scholarship Scheme). Young men and women from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Minorities are taking the benefits of the scheme.
Under this scheme, higher education opportunities are available in 110 universities/institutions in Britain and Northern Ireland. Through this scholarship, facility is being provided to do Masters/MPhil in any of the 31 subjects.
Arrangements for free education are being made for maximum 25 students. Under the scholarship scheme, arrangements have also been made to pay tuition fees, air travel fare, annual allowance, visa fees, medical insurance premium payment and other expenses.
Under the Chevening-Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Scholarship, a maximum of twenty five students are getting the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree program in the UK.
Mukhyamantri Sarathi Yojana
Under the Chief Minister Sarathi Scheme, free skill training is being given to the unemployed youths of Jharkhand.
The state government is giving employment incentive allowance for maximum one year to everyone who is taking skill training. An incentive allowance of Rs 1,000 per month is being given to youth and Rs 1,500 per month to girls, disabled and transgenders.
Non-residential trainees are being given a transport allowance of Rs 1,000 per month for commuting from their home to the training center.
Under the Chief Minister Sarathi Scheme, for the first-time youth are getting free skill training at the block level through Birsa Centre. Beneficiaries can choose the trade as per their interest through proper counselling.
For training, it is mandatory for the youth/girls to have minimum 5th pass qualification. This has made it possible to bring more and more beneficiaries under the ambit of this scheme.
Abua Awas Yojana
Abua Awas Yojana (Abua Housing Scheme) aims to provide permanent houses with basic amenities to lead a dignified life by 2026 to all eligible families who are houseless and living in kutcha and dilapidated houses in rural areas.
Under this scheme, a target has been set to construct 8 lakh pucca houses. 2 lakh houses are to be constructed in 2023-24, 3.5 lakh in 2024-25 and 2.5 lakh in 2025-26.
This scheme is 100 percent supported by the state government. The amount of assistance per housing unit is Rs 2 lakh.
Construction of a three-room permanent house with kitchen is being done through Abua Housing Scheme. The house will be constructed in minimum 31 square meters.
Families living in kutcha houses, houseless and destitute families, families belonging to especially vulnerable tribal groups, victims of natural calamities, legally released bonded laborers and such families who have never received the benefit of any government housing scheme are eligible for the benefits of this scheme.
Mukhyamantri Gram Gadi Yojana
The main objective of this scheme is to provide easy transportation service to the citizens living in rural areas, remote tribal settlements and other areas to reach Gram Panchayat, Block, Sub-Division and District Headquarters. This transport service is absolutely free.
One of the goals of the scheme is to provide transportation facilities to the students living in rural areas to educational institutions for secondary and higher education.
Under this, transportation facilities are being made available to the villagers up to the block, sub-division and district headquarters to get proper medical services.
Through Chief Miniter Rural Transportation Scheme, farmers are getting the facility of transportation to the market or business center located at the block, sub-division and district headquarters for the sale of their produce and employment to the villagers.
Through the scheme, transportation facilities are also being provided to disabled persons and senior citizens. With the Chief Miniter Rural Transportation Scheme, commuting in rural areas will become easier than before.
Birsa Harit Gram Yojana
Farmers of Jharkhand are moving towards becoming self-reliant. With a view to make farmers self-reliant, Hemant Soren’s government had launched the Jharkhand Birsa Green Village Scheme. The farmers of the state are now benefiting from this scheme. They are also getting good income.
The Hemant Soren government in the state had given a green signal to the scheme during the Covid period to provide employment to migrant labourers by linking them with MGNREGA. The scheme launched in 2020 has opened the fortunes of many migrant labourers.
The farmers are coming forward to avail the benefit of the Government’s scheme. Coal mining areas like Dhanbad are also witnessing a reduced pollution, an added advantage.
