Jamshedpur’s ‘Son-in-Law’ takes charge 10th GOC of Jharkhand & Bihar
Parvinder Bhatia
Jamshedpur
For Jamshedpur, the appointment of Major General Jitendra Singh, VSM, as the 10th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Jharkhand & Bihar Sub Area is more than another high-ranking military posting. It is a moment of immense pride, with the decorated Army officer affectionately regarded as the Steel City’s own “son-in-law.”
Major General Singh officially assumed command on July 18, 2026, taking over one of the Indian Army’s key regional formations. While the appointment marks another milestone in a military career spanning nearly three decades, it has also rekindled warm memories in Jamshedpur, where his close family ties have made him a familiar and respected figure.
His connection with the city comes through his wife, Veena Singh, a native of the Agrico Shiv Singh Bagan locality and an alumna of Jamshedpur Women’s College. Her family has long been associated with the city’s business community, making Major General Singh a frequent visitor over the years. Those visits have fostered enduring relationships, and many residents now celebrate his achievements as one of their own.
The celebrations are equally personal for the family. His brother-in-law, Jitendra Singh, associated with Raj Stores on Kalimati Road in Sakchi, described the appointment as a matter of immense honour. Family members say the atmosphere in Jamshedpur has been one of joy and pride ever since the announcement, with many viewing the achievement as an inspiration for the city’s youth.
Behind the warm family connections lies an exceptional military journey shaped by discipline, scholarship and leadership. An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Major General Singh was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers and has since served in a wide range of operational, command and strategic assignments across the country.
Among the defining chapters of his career was his tenure as Dean of the Army War College, one of India’s foremost institutions for higher military education. There, he contributed significantly to grooming senior officers and strengthening the Army’s strategic and operational thought process, reinforcing his reputation as a leader committed not only to command but also to mentorship.
His professional journey has also extended well beyond India’s borders. As part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon, he represented the country in multinational operations, gaining valuable experience in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and international military cooperation.
Equally noteworthy has been his contribution to the welfare of former soldiers. Serving as Deputy Managing Director of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Major General Singh worked to enhance healthcare services for retired Armed Forces personnel and their families. His experience in veterans’ welfare is expected to strengthen support systems for ex-servicemen across Jharkhand and Bihar.
Away from the parade ground, the General’s family reflects a legacy of excellence. The couple’s elder daughter is a clinical psychologist based in New York, while their younger daughter serves as a doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi.
