Governor Gangwar calls for constructive debate, highlights governance priorities

Ranchi: Emphasising fiscal discipline, transparent governance and technological modernisation, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Wednesday outlined the broad priorities of the state government while addressing the opening of the fifth (Budget) session of the state Assembly.

The Governor said the session, scheduled from February 18 to March 19, 2026, will have 17 working days devoted to detailed deliberations on state’s policies, development agenda, financial priorities and issues of public interest. Describing the Budget as more than a statement of income and expenditure, he called it a guiding framework for the state’s development journey.

He informed the House that the third supplementary budget for the financial year 2025–26 will be presented during the session to meet essential expenditures and ensure the continuity of ongoing schemes. The Annual Budget for 2026–27 will be tabled on February 24, setting the direction for future growth, defining sectoral priorities and ensuring equitable allocation of resources.

Calling for meaningful and responsible participation from legislators, the Governor urged members to engage in fact-based, logical and people-centric debate while upholding the dignity and decorum of the House. He said democracy derives strength from dialogue and constructive criticism, and differences of opinion should strengthen, not weaken, democratic institutions.

A key highlight of his address was the move towards digitisation of legislative work through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). The NeVA service centre was inaugurated on February 11 by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. With partial implementation beginning this session, notices for Zero Hour will now be submitted online, reducing paperwork and improving efficiency. The Governor said further digitisation of questions, listed business, Bills and other documents will follow as part of the push towards a paperless and environmentally responsible Assembly.

He reminded members that they represent the aspirations of more than three crore citizens of Jharkhand and that every decision taken in the House must keep the state’s interests paramount. The Governor concluded by calling upon all legislators to ensure that the Budget Session is conducted in a healthy, positive and result-oriented manner under the framework of Article 176(1) of the Constitution of India.