Revised Jharia master plan gets Cabinet nod, Rs 5,940 crore outlay approved, livelihoods and resettlement prioritised

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP) for dealing with fire, land subsidence, and rehabilitation of families affected by decades of underground coal fires in the Jharia coalfield of Jharkhand.The revised plan entails a total financial outlay of Rs 5,940.47 crore and will be implemented in a phased manner, with priority given to the most vulnerable sites.According to a government statement, the revised plan places stronger emphasis on sustainable livelihood generation. Families being resettled will receive targeted skill development training and access to income-generating opportunities to help ensure long-term economic stability.As part of the revised package, both Legal Title Holder (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holder (Non-LTH) families will be eligible for a one-time Livelihood Grant of Rs 1 lakh and institutional credit support of up to Rs 3 lakh.The Cabinet also approved the development of comprehensive infrastructure and essential amenities at the resettlement sites. This includes roads, electricity, water supply, sewerage systems, schools, hospitals, skill development centres, community halls, and other facilities. These will be created in line with recommendations from the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan.To further promote livelihood opportunities, a dedicated Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund will be set up. Skill development activities will also be undertaken in partnership with Multi Skill Development Institutes operating in the region, the statement added