AI-powered virtual classrooms to be set up in 1,000 Govt schools
Roshan Kumar
Ranchi
The Jharkhand Cabinet have rolled out significant, actionable initiatives to modernize education. Key boosts include approval of Rs 176 crore project to establish AI-powered virtual classrooms in 1,000 government schools across the state, new degree colleges at Jamua (Giridih) and Mandu (Ramgarh), extension of Adarsh Vidyalaya Scheme among others.
Under AI based education, students will receive high-tech education, learning skills like Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Data Science, and Cyber Security. The rollout will initially impact approximately 6,42,056 students and 11,422 teachers by converting standard classrooms into smart classrooms. The Cabinet approved Rs 38.22 crore for Jamua (Giridih) and Rs 40.14 crore for Mandu (Ramgarh) to construct new degree colleges.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to reorganized academic posts across 6 major state universities. Barhi Degree College has been officially renamed ‘Degree Mahavidyalaya Chandwara’. In today’s cabinet meeting, approval to 40 agendas were made.
Apart from education, the major highlights of today’s cabinet meet were the health sector with Cabinet nod to leasing a single-engine helicopter emergency medical service (annual budget: Rs 9.45 crore) to airlift critically ill patients from remote areas. Reduced mandatory board exam attendance from 75% to 50% for students with sickle cell, thalassemia, haemophilia, Type-1 diabetes, and physical disabilities. Approved Rs 194.73 crore (Phase 1) for SNMMCH Dhanbad to increase MBBS seats from 100 to 250 and PG seats from 16 to 200.
The cabinet also gave its nod to major road projects which includes East Singhbhum (Bhuiyan Sinan to Susni, 22.44 km): Rs 102.40 crore, Gumla (Ghaghra to Jokari Valley, 19 km): Rs 101.77 crore, Gumla (Parwal RCD road to Karanj, 14.25 km): Rs 76.75 crore, Ranchi (Tangar Basli More to Bobro More, 11.57 km): Rs 63.77 crore, Kherabani to Rani Ghaghar (9.17 km): Rs 53.73 crore
The Cabinet lowered the minimum road width requirement for establishing rural institutions or industries from 9 meters to 4.5 meters. Approved Rs 39.67 crore for a new municipal building of Adityapur Municipal Corporation.
It also granted in-principle approval for two new zoos in Giridih East and Dumka forest divisions. Extended the jurisdiction of the Jharkhand Zoo Authority statewide. Also, NGO management for welfare hostels will now be selected via Deputy Commissioner (DC)-led district committees as per Cabinet decision.
Revised pay scales for the Advocate General and law officers, while creating 63 new posts to strengthen representation in the Jharkhand High Court. The Cabinet allocated Rs 12.32 crore to the Advocates’ Welfare Fund Trustee Committee. Approved amendments to judicial service rules and sanctioned direct appointments for two district judges.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to the monsoon session of Jharkhand Assembly Monsoon which will run from August 6 to August 12, 2026 (5 working days).
Retired university teachers and staff will receive 7th Pay Commission benefits effective January 1, 2016, along with 6% interest on arrears.
