The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Tuesday approved the restoration of the helicopter ambulance service to transport patients from remote areas where road ambulances cannot reach. The service will also facilitate the quick transfer of patients between hospitals in different cities.
For the service, the state government will hire a single-engine helicopter at an annual cost of Rs 9.45 crore. The Cabinet also decided that the existing air ambulance scheme will continue to operate.
In all, the Cabinet approved 49 proposals from various departments during the meeting. The Council of Ministers approved the proposal to convene the Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly from August 6 to August 12, with the House scheduled to function for five working days.
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Changes To Rural Building Rules
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the rules governing map approvals in rural areas. Under the revised norms, maps for institutional, administrative and industrial projects will now be approved if the road width is 4.5 metres, replacing the earlier requirement of 9 metres.
NGO Selection Shifted To District Level
The government has empowered district administrations to select NGOs for operating hostels under the Welfare Department. A committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner will now oversee the selection process at the district level, instead of the state government.
7th Pay Commission Benefits From 2016
The Cabinet approved extending Seventh Pay Commission benefits to university teachers and non-teaching staff with effect from January 1, 2016, instead of the earlier date of April 1, 2021. Pending arrears, along with applicable interest, will be paid accordingly.
The Cabinet also approved the reorganisation of teaching posts in universities and affiliated colleges and renamed Degree College, Barhi as Degree College, Chandwara.
AI-Based Teleclasses In 1,000 Schools
The government approved the launch of AI-based teleclasses in 1,000 high and plus-two schools across the state.
Seven digital studios will be established, two at JCERT and one each at the five divisional headquarters. Subject experts will conduct live classes, while students will be able to interact with teachers through smart classroom facilities.
Attendance Relaxation For Students With Serious Illnesses
Students suffering from sickle cell disease, thalassemia, haemophilia, Type 1 diabetes, and other serious non-communicable diseases will now be exempt from the mandatory 75 per cent attendance requirement.
Such students will be eligible to appear for board examinations with a minimum attendance of 50 per cent.
Other Major Cabinet Decisions
- Three agencies supplying take-home ration to Anganwadi centres have been granted a six-month extension, while the government conducts a fresh tender process.
- Rs 39.67 crore approved for constructing a new building for the Adityapur Municipal Corporation.
- New zoos will be developed in the Giridih East and Dumka divisions, with both brought under the Jharkhand Zoo Authority.
- Approval granted for the dismissal of Dr Archana Choudhary, posted at the Community Health Centre in Kasmar, Bokaro, for prolonged unauthorised absence.
- Rs 194.73 crore sanctioned as the first instalment for infrastructure development at Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College, Dhanbad, to increase MBBS seats from 100 to 250 and PG seats from 19 to 200.