16 years after formation, Jharkhand spells out its domicile policy

Also, those having their or their ancestors’s names in the land records in the survey already conducted would be considered as ‘domicile’ of the state. The landless would have to be identified by their gram pradhan on the basis of their language, culture and tradition to be considered as permanent residents of the state.

The details of the ‘domicile policy’, as cleared by the Cabinet, were released by cabinet minister Saryu Rai and other ministers.

[related-post]

Among other provisions of the policy, the employees of the Jharkhand government or state-controlled institutions or other such entities and their children would also be covered under the domicile policy. The statute would remain the same for the central government employees and those holding Constitutional posts.

The ones who were born in Jharkhand and have had their education up to class 10 from the State Board or equivalent within Jharkhand too would be considered within the ambit of the domicile policy.

“It may be recalled that the term ‘domicile’ could not be decided ever since the state came into existence. In 2002, the Jharkhand High Court had given a detailed order directing the state government to fix the definition of domicile.

However, while most of the governments started the process by setting up committees, the process could not be taken to logical conclusion,” read the government statement.

The statement said that the government has taken into account the previous reports, besides adopting ‘best practices’ from other states. Also, extensive consultations were held with the stake-holders, besides the leaders of all the political parties, the statement said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had written to the political parties seeking their written opinion and suggestion on who all shall be included in the domicile policy. The government has, however, maintained that they never responded.
On the other hand, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) of Babulal Marandi and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, led by Hemant Soren, have been attacking the government for not implementing the policy even after being in power for more than a year.

Both JMM and JVM (P) said they would react after going through the document. State Congress Chief Sukhdeo Bhagat could not be reached for his comment.

Following the announcement of the policy, BJP Chief Ravindra Rai held a press conference at the state office and hailed the decision taken by the cabinet. The BJP workers gathered at the office and exploded crackers, besides distributing sweets at various places across the city.

The then Chief Minister, Babulal Marandi, now leading JVM (P), had, in 2002, decided to implement the domicile policy on the basis of land records of 1932. This had led to non-tribals and tribal coming face-to-face in many agitations across the state. It was later withdrawn.

Meanwhile, the state cabinet has also decided to reserve seats at the district level in various departments for only the local residents of that very district for the next 10 years. Some of these posts include teachers, panchayat secretaries, public servants, auxiliary nurses and mid-wives.

In another proposal cleared by the Cabinet, in the Scheduled Tribes-dominated districts, group 3 and 4 services have been reserved for them.