UditVani, Ranchi : In a landmark decision celebrating Jharkhand’s rich aquatic biodiversity, the Hemant Soren-led Cabinet on Wednesday approved the declaration of the indigenous Desi Magur (Clarias magur) as the State Fish of Jharkhand.
The move follows a request from the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, aligning Jharkhand with several other states that have recognized local fish species of ecological and cultural significance.
Alongside this symbolic announcement, the Cabinet cleared a host of major policy, administrative, and infrastructure proposals:
STEM Labs for CM Schools of Excellence: Each of the 24 districts will soon have a fully equipped STEM Lab to enhance scientific learning and innovation among students.
Four-Star Hotel at Deoghar: Approval for the development of Hotel Vaidhyanath Vihar as a 4-star facility on a PPP model with an estimated investment of Rs 113.97 crore.
Winter Assembly Session: The sixth Jharkhand Legislative Assembly’s Winter Session will be held from December 5 to 11, 2025.
Major Road Development Projects:
* Rs 133.02 crore sanctioned for widening and strengthening of Giridih–Jamua Road (SH-13).
* Rs 29.76 crore approved for improvement of Simdega–Rengari–Kersai–Bolwa–Odisha Border Road.
* Old Pension Scheme Restored for teachers and staff of Netarhat Residential School.
* Regularization of Polytechnic Staff under the World Bank-supported Polytechnic Education Strengthening Project.
* Implementation of New Criminal Laws: Approval for e-Sakshya and e-Summons model rules to operationalize the three new criminal codes.
* Land Lease for Hindalco’s Chakla Coal Project: 147.05 acres in Latehar to be leased for 30 years for industrial development.
The Cabinet also approved key financial measures, including the operation of the Guarantee Redemption Fund, loan authorization under UIDF, and funding of bridge projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
With these decisions, the Jharkhand government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, scientific education, and environmental preservation — symbolized fittingly by its new State Fish, the Desi Magur.
