RANCHI: In a significant move to address the rising human-elephant conflicts, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday during the ongoing budget session of the state assembly that the government is preparing to increase compensation for deaths caused by elephant attacks. Responding to a calling attention notice by Congress MLA Rameshwar Oraon, Soren revealed plans for a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure timely relief to affected families.
Currently, families receive Rs 4 lakh in cases of elephant-related fatalities, but Soren highlighted that other states offer between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The government is studying policies from Assam and Odisha to formulate a revised amount. The new SOP will mandate compensation disbursement within 10 days of the incident and extend coverage to attacks by other wildlife like hyenas, leopards, and snakes.
Soren linked the surge in elephant attacks to illegal mining disrupting wildlife habitats, vowing strict action against such activities. Earlier, MLA Tiwari Mahto raised concerns over illegal mining in Mandu, prompting the in-charge minister to assure firm measures.
The session also saw debates on extending government employees’ retirement age. LJP (Ram Vilas) MLA Janardan Paswan demanded raising it from 60 to 62 years, citing examples from Chhattisgarh and central government norms for doctors and teachers. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore dismissed any such proposal, emphasizing priority to youth employment amid high unemployment.
Congress MLA Rajesh Kachhap from Khijri pushed for filling backlog posts for ST, SC, and OBC categories, with the government assuring ongoing recruitment drives.
Presenting the Economic Survey 2025-26, Kishore painted a rosy picture of Jharkhand’s economy. The real GSDP has surged from Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2011-12 to Rs 3.03 lakh crore in 2024-25, projected to reach Rs 3.22 lakh crore in 2025-26 and Rs 3.41 lakh crore in 2026-27. Per capita income crossed Rs 1 lakh for the first time at Rs 1.16 lakh. At current prices, GSDP is expected to hit Rs 5.6 lakh crore next year.
Services sector growth stands out, complemented by agriculture’s steady contribution. The state budget has ballooned over 20 times since formation, from Rs 6,067 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 1.16 lakh crore in 2024-25, with Rs 1.45 lakh crore proposed for 2025-26. Banking expansion includes 3,449 branches and 3,338 ATMs, with deposits up 220% to Rs 3.80 lakh crore and loans 124% to Rs 1.59 lakh crore.
Other discussions included including public representatives in establishment committees for transparency, which the government deferred. The house passed the third supplementary budget for 2025-26 and adjourned till February 24, when the 2026-27 budget will be tabled. These announcements signal proactive governance on key wildlife, employment, and economic fronts.