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NCPA’s Living Traditions Festival Spotlights Jharkhand’s Rich Folk Heritage

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. 

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India News

Rahul launches fresh attack on RSS, BJP in Jharkhand

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)

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Asia News India News Politics

Champai Soren-led coalition govt wins Jharkhand trust vote

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)

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India News Sport Sports

Hockey India Signs MoU for FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi

Hockey.

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)

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India News News Politics

Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar

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.

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Economy India News Politics

Taking Jharkhand To A New Tomorrow

CM Soren’s welfare schemes are drawing huge response from every quarter in Jharkhand

In the last 4 years, the state of Jharkhand has made significant strides in the fields of education, employment, health and welfare, sports, tourism, renewable energy and industries to enhance the quality of life. Significant achievements in the area of law and order, like eradication of left-wing terrorism and creating developmental opportunities in the Budha Pahad region ensuring peace in the state is a noteworthy move. Initiatives by the state government to provide clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity access, road connectivity and housing have transformed the state.

Nearly 80 percent of the population of Jharkhand lives in villages. Before the formation of the government, CM Hemant Soren had said that the government would be run from the villages and panchayats and not from Delhi. To receive benefits people will not have to visit block offices and district headquarters, instead the government is coming to the doorstep to solve problems.

2023 marks the third phase of the programme in which camps are being organised and people’s problems are being addressed and they are getting the benefits of various schemes. A similar programme was organised in 2021 and 2022. The CM is visiting every district under this programme. 

A considerable effort has been done for the education at all levels. At a cost of Rs 1885 crores, the state has laid the foundation stones for 27 Schools of Excellence. There is a plan to start 5000 Schools of Excellence in the entire state. This initiative aims to offer world-class education facilities to students in Jharkhand. On a better education system for the State Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme has been started for higher education. The government will provide financial support to students under this scheme. The state government is providing 100% scholarship to Dalit, tribal, backward and minority children for higher education abroad as well.

Under the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship Scheme, deserving students are allowed to pursue higher studies abroad. Presently twenty-three students from Jharkhand are pursuing higher education abroad in the United Kingdom. This initiative aims to empower the youth of Jharkhand and enhance their global competitiveness. In another initiative, the government’s scholarships for children of unorganized sector workers, ranging from INR 250 to INR 8,000 have been launched. This is an important step towards ensuring that economic constraints do not impede access to education. Moreover, the ITI Colleges in Militancy Affected Districts promotes technical education and vocational training, enhancing employability among the youth.

Despite challenges, Jharkhand has achieved considerable success in improving the basic civic infrastructure and living standards. The state has made significant strides in the fields of education and employment, initiating a series of measures designed to enhance access to quality education and create employment opportunities.

In the area of employment, the Chief Minister Employment Generation Scheme promotes entrepreneurship and generates employment. It provides a provision of subsidized loans up to INR 25 lakhs for starting businesses. Also, in a bid to push transparency, JPSC Manual and Officer Appointments has been prepared and 326 officers who have been appointed under the 6th JPSC. This enhances the transparency and effectiveness of the public service recruitment process, and these appointments are a key step towards strengthening administrative capacity in the state.

Jharkhand has taken significant steps towards improving the state of nutrition and health among its residents. The initiatives span various areas, from disease prevention and management to addressing the problem of malnutrition.

The establishment of COVID-19 vaccination facilities at all district hospitals and community health centres reflects the state’s commitment to combating the pandemic. This widespread vaccination drive ensures easier access for citizens across the state to get vaccinated and contributes to public health safety.

The approval for the establishment of dialysis centres on a public-private partnership (PPP) model in all district hospitals is a major step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure. This move expands access to essential medical treatment for kidney disease patients.

In an effort to tackle the problem of malnutrition, the state has initiated the construction of 5 lakh sheds at a cost of INR 250 crores. While the exact context and utilization of these sheds are not specified, it could be assumed that these may be used for activities related to the delivery of nutritional services, community awareness programs, and other initiatives to address malnutrition.

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These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to improving the health and nutritional status of Jharkhand’s population. The focus on infrastructure development and service delivery suggests a commitment to creating a robust health system capable of addressing the state’s health challenges.

Jharkhand has taken several strides in the field of agriculture, aimed at improving the livelihood of farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security. Krishi Rinn Maafi Yojana (Crop Loan Waiver Scheme) has sanctioned INR 2,000 crores. Under this scheme, farm loans up to INR 50,000 have been waived off, providing significant relief to small and marginal farmers and boosting their financial stability.

The Chief Minister Pashudhan Yojana (Livestock Development Scheme) has benefited over 50,000 villagers. Livestock development plays a crucial role in supplementing the income of rural households and improving their nutritional security. Moreover, the Bonus Payment on MSP has incentivized agricultural production and ensures farmers get a fair price for their produce.

These achievements reflect the government’s commitment to promoting agricultural growth, enhancing farmers’ income, and ensuring food security in Jharkhand. It also shows the efforts towards promoting diversification and value addition in agriculture, which are crucial for the sustainable development of the sector.

The government of Jharkhand has taken considerable steps towards rural development with a special focus on women’s empowerment. These measures are aimed at enhancing income, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainability.

For the first time, the wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) has been increased from INR 194 to INR 225. This wage hike is a significant move towards improving the income and economic status of rural households, including women who form a substantial part of the MNREGA workforce.

The state has set a target for maximum man-day generation under MNREGA, creating 10 crore man-days. This ensures enhanced availability of employment opportunities in rural areas, directly benefiting women who are major participants in the scheme.

Steps have been taken towards water prosperity, with trench and dam closure work completed on 2 lakh hectare land. This contributes to improved water conservation and agricultural productivity, directly and indirectly benefiting rural women.

Under this scheme, fruit trees have been planted in 26 thousand acres. This initiative promotes environmental sustainability and also provides an additional source of income for rural households, thereby empowering women.

Sakhi Mandals, or women’s self-help groups, have been allocated INR 995 crores. These funds help in strengthening the capacity of these groups and empower rural women economically and socially.

The efforts and intent of the government is being reciprocated by the masses and a stable government with a youthful and constructive leadership is bound to take Jharkhand to newer heights in the coming years.

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India News

‘New Forest Conservation Rules will uproot rights of indigenous people’

Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren said the new rules will uproot the rights of the tribals who have called the forests their homes for generations. The chief minister’s letter highlights the violation of Forest Act 2006, in respect to the changes resulting from the Forest Conservation Rules, 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Expressing his reservations about the Centre’s Forest Conservation Rules 2022, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the “brazenly dilution” powers of local gram sabha and “uprooting” the rights of forest-dwelling communities.

In a letter, the chief minister urged PM Modi to bring about changes in the Forest Conservation Rules 2022 that will establish systems and procedures that protect the rights of the tribal and forest communities in the country.

Soren requested him to re-evaluate and re-examine the Forest Conservation Rules, 2022.

“To bring under his notice the plight of the indigenous communities of the state who are known to worship nature in various forms and the ones who will be severely impacted by the Forest Conservation Rules 2022,” Soren said in his letter written on Friday.

He further stated that the mandatory requirements of obtaining the prior consent of the Gram Sabha for utilizing forest land for non-forestry purposes has been shockingly obliterated in the new notification of 2022.

“This has created a situation where once forest clearance is granted everything else becomes a mere formality and the state government finds itself under even greater pressure from the centre to accelerate the diversion of forest land,” Jharkhand CM said.

Emphasising sustainable practices, Soren defended the rights of the tribals.

“An estimated 200 million people across India depend on forests for their primary livelihood, and around 100 million people live on land classified as forests. These new rules will end up uprooting the rights of these people who have called the forests their homes for generations. It is the need of the hour to employ sustainable practices so that we can collectively embark on the path of progress with inclusivity as the core idea,” the letter by Soren reads, urging Modi to relook at the Forest Conservation Rules 2022 and maintain systems and procedures that protect the rights of the tribals and forest communities in the country.

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What are the options before Hemant Soren?

With Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s future as both head of the state and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA hanging in balance amid speculation that the Election Commission has recommended Governor Ramesh Bais to disqualify him for alleged violation of Representation of the People Act, 1951, IANS takes look at the allegations against him and the likely scenarios which may emerge.

In February this year, senior BJP leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das had alleged that Soren had got a mining lease issued for himself, which was clear violation of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. It was alleged that Soren hid this fact in his affidavit submitted at the time of contesting the Assembly elections in 2019.

On the basis of documents, Das sought the Chief Minister’s disqualification as MLA and removal from the post of CM.

Since the Chief Minister is a public servant, he cannot allot himself a mining lease, as it is clear violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The BJP leaders sought Soren’s removal as Chief Minister, as well as his disqualification as MLA by Governor Ramesh Bais.

The Governor sought the Election Commission’s views on the matter and subsequently the poll panel began a hearing on the matter and sought views from both Soren and the BJP leaders.

The Election Commission’s hearing ended this month and it now sent its recommendations to the Governor, who now has to take a call in the matter.

In his defence, Soren has said that he had applied for the mining lease at a time when he was not holding any office of profit and he has now even surrendered the lease.

Moreover, no mining activity has been undertaken by him in the mine in question, thus no question of misusing office of profit arises and his disqualification cannot be sought.

Under the present circumstances, two likely scenarios can emerge in the entire episode.

First, the poll panel can recommend Soren’s disqualification as an MLA for getting a mining lease issued for himself.

Congress leader and Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta said yesterday that the JMM-Congress coalition is “standing strong”.

Second, the Election Commission can consider it as a case of corruption since Hemant Soren took the lease while being on the post of Chief Minister.

If he is found guilty of misusing his position as an MLA, Soren would have to resign as a legislator. In the meantime, the JMM legislative party can elect him as its leader and he can remain as the Chief Minister for six months. Though he will have to contest the polls and get himself re-elected as an MLA during this period.

However, if it is treated as a case of corruption and if the Election Commission issues a certificate under Section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Governor can bar Soren from contesting elections for five years and he will have to resign both as MLA and Chief Minister.

In such a scenanrio, the JMM will have to elect a new leader, which according to speculation could be either his wife Kalpana Soren or father and JMM founder Shibu Soren.

While Hemant Soren has the option of seeking legal recourse in the Supreme Court, he will still have to resign from his posts as the apex court does not immediately give a stay order in such cases.

Hemant Soren can also plead not guilty, claiming that the grounds on which he is being disqualified are not strong enough, as even the Supreme Court in its two judgements has stated that taking a mining lease is not a case of corruption.

In the third scenario, if the Governor feels that JMM does not have majority in the Assembly and if he refuses to take cognisance of the letters of support for the new chief ministerial candidate and does not allow him or her to take oath, President’s Rule can be imposed in the state to avoid a Constitutional crisis.

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Dhanbad chocked

According to doctors, the pollution is “affecting embryos in the womb, because of which the number of cases of deformities among newborns has increased in recent times”, reports Praduman Choubey

Umesh Bhuian (28), an unorganised sector labourer, succumbed to lung cancer in 2017. He was a resident of the underground fire-affected Ghanudih area of Jharia in Jharkhand, working as a loader at the Kujama colliery. A year later, Ram Kumar Paswan, a BCCL employee and resident of the same locality, died of tuberculosis. He was exposed to coal dust both at his workplace and residence in Ghanudih.

Bhuian and Paswan aren’t isolated cases in these parts of Jharkhand. In fact, Dr Nasir Iqbal, a private physician in Jharia, said that in a coal town, it was “common to come across patients suffering from respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease”. “The number of such patients, as well as those suffering from allergic rhinitis, had spiked in the past six to seven years due to rising pollution,” he said.

In Jharia, exposure to coal dust and rising pollution has begun to affect unborn children, as well. According to Jharia-based physiotherapist and environmentalist Manoj Singh, the pollution is “affecting embryos in the womb, because of which the number of cases of deformities among newborns has increased in recent times”.

In June 2019, Singh participated in a meeting organised by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board in Ranchi, to chalk out a strategy to control the pollution around Jharia’s coalfields. “None of the measures promised by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) at the Ranchi meeting has been implemented yet, even though Greenpeace India ranked the coal town of Jharia the worst polluted city/town in the country twice (in 2019 and 2020), in a list of around 300.”

Furthermore, in a gross disregard for pollution-control norms, more than 50,000 trees have been uprooted from various parts of the district for road-broadening work. According to local social worker Akhlaque Ahmad, the plantation work carried out to offset the ill effects of the felled trees “is almost negligible”.

Anup Sao, a former councillor of Ward 37, located near the fire-affected colliery project of Bastacola, highlighted several reasons for the abysmal state of the region. For one, he noted how activities carried out through open-cast mines add to the problem.

“The entry of private miners as BCCL contractors has led to a further increase in pollution. To meet the production target, they often disregard and violate norms while mining and transporting coal. For instance, they move coal in uncovered vehicles,” Sao said, adding that the close proximity of some mines to inhabited areas made things worse.

Rajiv Sharma, general secretary of the Jharkhand Industries and Trade Association, said: “Even though the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board allotted Rs 54 crore to the DMC to implement measures like plantation, green walling and installation of pollution measurement equipment under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), very few measures had been initiated; the fund is lying unused.”

He also pointed out that the five dust-sweeping machines that the civic body had procured as part of pollution control measures had been lying unused at garbage compactor stations because the DMC could not dole out Rs 19 lakhs per month to operate the equipment, which were obtained for Rs 2.65 crore in 2019.

“We also suggested that they adopt unconventional measures such as installation of air filtration plants, which the Delhi government implemented well, to control pollution effectively,” Sharma added.

Hubban Mallick, Director of Pay and Clean, the firm entrusted with the task of operating the dust-sweeping machines, said: “These machines were procured by diverting funds meant for the District Mineral Foundation Trust. But the DMC failed to manage the Rs 19 lakh required for fuel and to employ drivers to operate the machines.

“Among the five machines bought, two are small machines that were meant to be used within colonies. However, they have not been utilised for this purpose, leaving residential areas heavily polluted. The payments take anywhere between three to six months, leaving the workers and drivers in a rut. This adds further pressure on the cleaning efforts of the entire enterprise.”

According to the contract, a minimum distance of 160 km and a maximum of 200 km needed to be swept each day. However, due to internal bureaucratic corruption, this is far from reality, he said. Sweeping operations are undertaken a few days a week or upon the arrival of politicians.

Contrary to the claims, Dhanbad Municipal Commissioner Satyendra Kumar said that the civic body had been operating three dust sprinkler machines, procured through the NCAP fund, and had also purchased 10 more such machines, which were taken for a test run on January 29.

“We will procure more pollution-control equipment in phases under the NCAP. We will also operate the dust-sweeping machines lying idle by repairing them,” he added.

However, workers engaged directly with cleanliness activities have not received this decision well.

“It does not matter if 10 new machines are bought. The machines need good roads and financial help to function properly,” Mallick emphasised. “The dust sweepers and sprinklers cannot be operated in the current state of the roads. The government and DMC are wasting money on the wrong front and need to improve the infrastructure first, before spending more money on machines.”

Urging regional politicians to step up, he called out the government for its “apathetic attitude” towards the worsening air quality in Dhanbad, blaming it for the deplorable condition of one of India’s most-polluted cities.

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Fighting against odds, four friends turn dairy startup into Rs 225 cr business

Fighting against odds, four friends turn dairy startup into Rs 225 cr business

When three friends from Jharkhand’s Ranchi ditched their well-paying corporate jobs, excellent career prospects and a steady roof above, to start a dairy farm, everyone warned them about the risks of owning a challenging business…writes Shambhu Nath Coudhary

While some said that their venture would never take off, others advised them to go back to their cushy jobs as stepping out of their comfort zones seemed like chasing a mirage. However, despite all the criticism and obstacles, the three friends, followed their heart and decided to set out on a new entrepreneurial journey.

A fourth friend, who worked at a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, also joined them later.

As everyone said, the road ahead was filled with obstacles in the initial years. In the first month itself, they lost half their capital and were on the verge of bankruptcy twice. But determined to do something different, they raised money at the right time to save their company.

This is the story of four friends from Jharkhand, whose company ‘Osam Dairy’ milked a turnover of Rs 225 crore in 10 years.

The company will complete a decade in April and after expanding business across Bihar, Jharkhand, it now plans to spread its footprint across West Bengal.

At least 450 employees work at Osam Dairy today. Apart from this, 1,000 dairy farmers are indirectly related to the company.

The company procures milk regularly from about 20,000 livestock farmers and distributes their products via 250 distributors and over 8,000 retailers across Bihar and Jharkhand. This way, around 30,000 people work for Osam Dairy.

The founders — Abhinav Shah, Rakesh Sharma, Abhishek Raj and Harsh Thakkar — have been friends since college. They raised a capital of Rs one crore by combining their savings from their nine-to-five job.

In April 2012, they set up their first dairy farm on one acre land in Ormanjhi village near Ranchi. To learn the technicalities of dairy farming, Abhinav even moved to Kanpur to get a month’s training.

Talking about his groundbreaking idea, Company Director, Abhinav said, “Initially we bought 40 cows of Holstein Friesian breed from Khanna in Punjab. But the very first month after starting work, we faced a huge setback. At least 26 out of 40 cows died from infection. However, we did not let that affect us.

“After this, we raised Rs 50 lakh to work on our backup plan next month. We bought cows from Bihar and began distributing door-to-door milk. Initially, we had a target to produce 300 litres of milk daily, which then increased to 1,000 lts in six months.

“Earlier, our company was called ‘Raya’ and seven to eight people were hired to deliver door-to-door milk across three areas of Ranchi. The first year turnover was around Rs 26 lakh.

“In November 2013, we received funding from a finance company and by March 2015, we had set up our first milk chilling plant at Barbigha in Bihar. With this, cattle farmers and milkmen from 40 villages, got associated with us. Then two months later, in May, the first processing and packaging plant with a capacity of 50,000 litres was set up at Patratu, which is 35 kms from Ranchi.

“Within a year, we started distributing 25,000 litres of milk in a day and established two processing and packaging plants with a capacity of 80,000 litres at Chandil near Jamshedpur and Arrah district of Bihar.”

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However, during this time, two of their partners parted ways for personal reasons.

Currently, the company also sells dairy products like curd, buttermilk, paneer (cottage cheese), rabri and peda (milk-based sweets). They are also planning to launch a special product called ‘Salsa Raita’.

As of today, Osam Dairy sells about 1,20,000 litres of milk and 30,000 litres of its by-products daily. It has also received many awards for entrepreneurship, and their business model is discussed in B-schools across the country.

Sharing the story of their struggle, Abhinav said: “In times of despair, all our family members and friends, including my mother Uma Shah, supported us. My biggest lesson of this decade is that you cannot achieve success overnight, in any field. Failures guide us. Believe in yourself and don’t give up on hard work, because no matter how bad the situation gets, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”