UditVani, Jamshedpur: In a landmark move aimed at comprehensive urban development, the Jharkhand government has dissolved the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) and formed a new administrative body – the Jamshedpur Industrial Area Committee.
Nagendra Paswan, Deputy Development Commissioner of East Singhbhum, has been appointed as the first administrator of the newly created committee, taking over charge from JNAC Deputy Municipal Commissioner Krishna Kumar.
Unified Urban Governance
The new structure removes the long-standing distinction between company-managed (Tata Steel) areas and non-company areas. Now, uniform services such as sanitation, water supply, electricity, roads, and civic amenities will be implemented across the entire city. This change is expected to bring significant benefits, particularly for residents of non-company areas who have long faced inadequate facilities.
Industrial Area Coverage
The Jamshedpur Industrial Area will cover 15,480 acres of land, revised from 15,725 acres as per the 1996 survey.
The jurisdiction includes major localities such as Sakchi, Bistupur, Kadma, Sonari, Telco, Baridih, Sidgora, and Golmuri.
27-Member Governing Committee
The new committee will have 27 members: six representatives from the state government, 11 from Tata Steel, and 10 local members including MPs, MLAs, representatives from the Tata Workers Union, and other members nominated by the Urban Development Department.
The local or district in-charge minister will serve as chairperson, while the East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner will act as vice-chairperson.
Key administrative officials such as the SDO (Dhalbhum) and District Transport Officer will also be part of the body.
Tata Steel’s Representation
The company’s 11-member team will include officials from departments such as Corporate Management, Land and Marketing, Town Planning & Architecture, Legal, CSR, Public Health, and Water Management.
Powers and Responsibilities
The Jamshedpur Industrial Area Committee will function under the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011.
Its scope includes:
* Management of municipal services such as water supply, waste disposal, power, environmental protection, and vital registrations
* Collaboration with agencies like Jusco (Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited)
* Collection of fees from fairs, markets, and registrations
* Authority to appoint agencies or individuals for technical projects
* The committee will also maintain its own fund, drawing revenue from property tax, advertising tax, parking fees, registration fees, and other charges under the municipal law.
Opposition from MLA Saryu Roy
Jamshedpur (West) MLA Sarayu Roy has opposed the move, calling it a violation of the 2005 lease renewal agreement between Tata Steel and the government, which mandated the company to provide civic amenities in the city.
Roy has demanded that the scope of the committee be expanded beyond Jamshedpur, ensure representation through elections, and set clear operational guidelines.
A New Urban Model
While the decision has drawn political opposition, experts believe the new committee could bring a fresh model of transparent administration and equal access to services for all citizens.
However, legal complexities tied to lease agreements and political disagreements may pose challenges ahead.
This marks a new chapter in Jamshedpur’s governance, giving the industrial city a unified civic framework for the first time.
