Jharkhand Govt to Equip Officials with High-End Mobile Phones

New policy aims to enhance communication and efficiency in state administration

Jharkhand’s innovative scheme provides tiered mobile benefits to officials, boosting administrative communication across government ranks.

RANCHI – The Jharkhand government unveils a comprehensive plan to provide mobile devices to officials and ministers, aiming to boost administrative efficiency.

The Hemant Soren administration in Jharkhand has announced a progressive initiative to equip government officials and ministers with advanced mobile devices.

This move is designed to streamline communication channels within the state’s administrative framework.

Under the new policy, top-tier officials will receive mobile phones valued at Rs 60,000, accompanied by a monthly recharge allowance of Rs 3,000.

The scheme includes a sliding scale of benefits based on the official’s rank and position within the government hierarchy.

Cabinet members, including Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers, are among the highest beneficiaries of this program.

Key administrative figures such as the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police are also slated to receive the premium mobile devices.

"This initiative will significantly enhance our ability to respond swiftly to administrative challenges," remarked a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The policy incorporates a stipulation that officers must have a minimum of four years of service remaining to qualify for the free device provision.

Those with less than four years left in service will be required to reimburse the cost upon retirement, subject to a depreciation-based calculation.

To ensure data security, the mobile phones will remain government property for a four-year period, with officials bearing responsibility for maintaining confidentiality.

The scheme extends beyond top-level administrators, with Special Secretaries set to receive devices worth Rs 45,000 and a monthly recharge allocation of Rs 2,000.

Additional Secretaries and Joint Directors are allocated phones valued at Rs 40,000, coupled with a Rs 1,500 monthly recharge benefit.

For Deputy Secretaries and Senior Principal Private Secretaries, the allotment includes a Rs 35,000 phone and a Rs 1,000 monthly recharge facility.

Gazetted officers will be provided with devices worth Rs 30,000 and a Rs 750 monthly recharge allowance.

The government has also implemented a structured repayment schedule for early returns, ranging from 5% of the device’s value if returned within 6-12 months to 12.5% for returns between 42-48 months.

This comprehensive mobile device distribution plan underscores the Jharkhand government’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved governance and administrative efficiency.