Jharkhand Assembly Approves State University Bill 2026 After Heated Debate
The Jharkhand state assembly convened on Tuesday and successfully passed the Jharkhand State University Bill, 2026, following an extensive discussion where multiple MLAs proposed amendments and suggestions. Minister Sudivya Kumar presented the bill to the House, clarifying that a previous version introduced in August of last year had been formally withdrawn.
Key Amendments and Ministerial Response
During the debate, BJP MLA Raj Sinha put forward an amendment advocating for the establishment of placement agency offices on university campuses to enhance student employment opportunities. Another MLA, Amit Yadav, suggested revising the bill to remove the chief minister's involvement from certain decision-making provisions.
The newly passed bill stipulates that the governor, who also serves as the chancellor, will now jointly select vice-chancellors of universities alongside the chief minister. This marks a significant shift from the current system where the governor holds this authority independently.
In response to the proposed amendments, Minister Sudivya Kumar firmly rejected the suggestions, emphasizing that collaborative decision-making between two constitutional authorities would yield greater benefits for the state's higher education framework.
Water Supply Initiatives and Regional Concerns
Earlier in the session, Minister Yogendra Prasad addressed the assembly, announcing the government's preparations to ensure reliable drinking water supply to every household during the upcoming summer months. He disclosed that official orders have been issued to repair a total of 1,44,906 hand pumps across the state.
Responding to a query from MLA Hemlal Murmu, who highlighted the deteriorating condition of hand pumps in the Santhal Pargana region and expressed concerns about drought-prone areas, Minister Prasad acknowledged the issue. He admitted that many hand pumps, installed nearly a decade ago, are now struggling due to reduced groundwater availability. Prasad added that a comprehensive plan is being developed to provide alternative water supply solutions in these affected regions.
Protests Over Parliamentary Conduct
The assembly session also witnessed protests by BJP MLAs regarding the alleged use of unparliamentary language by a member in the House on Monday. MLA Neera Yadav raised the issue, noting that school students frequently visit to observe proceedings and should not be exposed to inappropriate language.
Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto confirmed that the objectionable words had been expunged from the official records. Parliamentary affairs minister Radha Krishana Kishore stressed the importance of maintaining decorum by both ruling and opposition members and expressed regret over the incident.
Administrative Updates on Block Development Officers
In reply to a question posed by MLA Amit Kumar, minister Dipika Pandey provided an update on administrative postings. She stated that out of 264 blocks in the state, block development officers (BDOs) are currently stationed in 218 blocks. For the remaining blocks, circle officers have been assigned additional responsibilities. Pandey assured that BDOs would be appointed in the remaining 46 blocks within the next 15 to 20 days.
