Jharkhand Establishes Committee to Monitor Implementation of Government Promises
In a significant move to enhance governance accountability, Jharkhand's State Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore announced on Wednesday the formation of a dedicated committee. This committee will systematically review promises made by the Governor, Chief Minister, and Finance Minister in the state assembly, ensuring their implementation within the same fiscal year.
Committee Composition and Opposition Response
Addressing concerns raised by MLAs during the state budget discussion, Kishore detailed that the committee will include key officials: the Development Commissioner, Finance Secretary, and secretaries from one or two relevant departments. This initiative aims to streamline the execution of government commitments and improve transparency.
Kishore also countered opposition claims regarding delays in Union government funds, asserting that Jharkhand has submitted utilization certificates. He challenged the Centre to send a team to the state for verification, promising full cooperation to resolve any fund hold-ups. "The Hemant Soren-led government is committed to bringing smiles to every citizen's face," he emphasized, highlighting increased allocations in the social sector and establishment expenditure to recruit more manpower.
Budget Debate Highlights and MLA Perspectives
The announcement came amid heated debates on the 2026-27 fiscal budget. Ruling party MLAs praised the budget's focus on inclusive development. JMM MLA Anant Pratap Dev described it as "a live document for inclusive development" tailored for villagers, the poor, and farmers. Congress MLA Rameshwar Oroan noted its potential to develop the state, empower women, and promote health and tourism, with increased capital expenditure and controlled deficit.
However, opposition BJP MLA Raj Sinha raised critical points, comparing budget allocations: Rs 1,28,900 crore in 2023-24, Rs 1,45,400 crore in 2025-26, and Rs 1,58,560 crore in 2026-27. He pointed out that the increase in the new budget was only 9%, down from 13% in the previous year, and criticized the omission of key government promises like procurement prices for paddy and gas cylinders, and employment schemes.
Additional Issues Raised During Discussions
Other MLAs brought up specific regional concerns. Deoghar MLA Suresh Paswan highlighted pending water supply to Deoghar town via the Punasi water dam, with Minister Sudivya Kumar citing forest clearance delays. During the zero hour, Nirsa MLA Arup Chatterjee advocated for a new airport in Dhanbad, to which Minister Deepak Birua responded that an existing airport in Bokaro, 50 km away, is available.
This comprehensive review mechanism underscores Jharkhand's efforts to bolster governance and ensure timely delivery of public services, reflecting a broader push for accountability in state administration.
