On May 3, 2025, Chief Minister Hemant Soren officially launched a landmark health insurance initiative for the state’s legal fraternity. Operating under the State Employees Health Insurance Scheme (SEHIS), the Advocate Health Insurance Scheme Jharkhand will provide:
-
βΉ5 lakh annual health coverage per family
-
βΉ10 lakh coverage for critical illnesses
-
Access via sehihis.jharkhand.gov.in
This makes Jharkhand the first state in India to institutionalise such healthcare benefits for legal professionals, recognising their service as essential to the democratic framework.
The first phase will cover 15,000 registered advocates. The government aims to include more members in subsequent phases based on registration data and scheme performance.
π Why This Health Insurance Scheme Is a Milestone in Public Policy
This initiative represents a progressive model of inclusive governance and is a direct reflection of Jharkhandβs effort to integrate essential service providers into state-supported welfare systems.
Legal professionals often remain outside the purview of government welfare schemes despite playing a pivotal role in ensuring access to justice. By including them in a state-sponsored insurance plan, Jharkhand is:
-
Bridging the welfare gap between state and non-state functionaries
-
Demonstrating fiscal and social responsibility towards key stakeholders in democratic processes
-
Reinforcing constitutional values by safeguarding the right to health
Such models, if adopted nationally, could significantly improve the working environment for advocates, especially junior lawyers who struggle with inconsistent income.
π Complementary Announcements: Law University & Credit Card Scheme
To complement the insurance scheme, CM Soren announced the proposal for a top-tier Law University in Jharkhand, a step aimed at elevating the quality of legal education in the state. This will help build a future-ready legal ecosystem and attract talent both within and outside Jharkhand.
In addition, the Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme was highlighted as a strategic initiative for higher education financing. This scheme offers up to βΉ15 lakh as an education loan to deserving students with minimal collateral requirements. It aims to democratise access to professional and higher education, including law, medicine, and technology.
Also Read:Β π Revival of Bacon Factory Ranchiπ
π§ Points to Remember
-
π Jharkhand is the first Indian state to launch a health insurance scheme for advocates.
-
π©Ί Coverage includes βΉ5 lakh per family and βΉ10 lakh for critical illnesses.
-
π Scheme accessible via sehihis.jharkhand.gov.in (DoFollow)
-
π A premier Law University is planned to promote quality legal education.
-
π³ Guruji Student Credit Card offers up to βΉ15 lakh for higher education.
-
π§Ύ 15,000 lawyers will be covered in the first phase of implementation.
π’ Criticisms from Legal and Political Quarters
Key issues raised by the opposition and the legal community include:
-
βοΈ Lack of consultation with the Jharkhand State Bar Council, which represents all registered advocates
-
π Only 15,000 lawyers included, excluding nearly half of eligible beneficiaries
-
π§Ύ No clear criteria disclosed for selection in Phase I
-
πΌ Demand for greater budget allocation to ensure inclusivity
-
π Alleged irregularities and lack of transparency in scheme rollout
