Jharkhand Assembly passes five key bills for education and gig work sector

The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly made significant progress on the third day of its ongoing monsoon session, passing five key bills aimed at a wide range of legislative reforms. The bills, which cover crucial sectors like education, micro, small and medium enterprises, and the welfare of gig workers, were all passed by a voice vote. This swift legislative action underscores the government’s intent to bring about structural changes in the state’s administrative and economic landscape.

Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu tabled three of the five bills, all focused on the education sector. These included the Jharkhand State University Bill, 2025, the Jharkhand Professional Educational Institutions (Fee Regulation) Bill, 2025, and the Jharkhand Coaching Centers (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025. The State University Bill aims to reform higher education governance, reportedly by transferring certain powers from the Governor to the Chief Minister.

The Professional Educational Institutions Bill seeks to bring transparency and control to the fee structures of private educational institutes. This is a crucial step to prevent arbitrary fee hikes and protect students and their families from financial exploitation. It is expected to create a more equitable educational environment for all students in the state, regardless of their financial background.

Equally significant is the Coaching Centers (Control and Regulation) Bill, which seeks to regulate the burgeoning coaching industry. This bill is designed to address issues of student mental health, safety, and lack of accountability in coaching centers, which have seen rapid, unregulated growth. It is a proactive measure to ensure that these centers operate with proper standards and do not compromise the well-being of students.

Meanwhile, Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav introduced two other groundbreaking bills. The Jharkhand Micro, Small and Medium (Special Exemption) Bill, 2025, is aimed at providing relief and encouraging the growth of small businesses in the state. This bill is expected to create a more favorable business environment and boost economic activity at the grassroots level.

Finally, the Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2025, is a landmark piece of legislation. It seeks to formalize the gig economy, providing a framework for the registration and welfare of gig workers who operate through digital platforms. This bill, a first of its kind in the state, will likely offer much-needed social security and protection to a workforce that has largely remained without formal benefits.