Sanjay Kumar Jha (also known as Sanjay Jha; born 1 December 1967) is an Indian politician, Rajya Sabha MP, National Working President of Janata Dal United,[1] Leader of JDU parliamentary party in Rajya Sabha and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. [2] He served as Minister of Water Resources and Information and Public Relations departments in Government of Bihar[3] He was also Member of Bihar Legislative Council.[4][5][6] In February 2024 he elected unopposed as Member of Parliament (India), Rajya Sabha to Janata Dal (United) in place of Bashistha Narain Singh from Bihar.[7]
Personal life
Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha was born on 1 December 1967 in Araria Sangram village, under Jhanjharpur block in Madhubani district. He is Post Graduate from prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University. He married to Enakshi Jha, couple has three children.
Political life
Sanjay Kumar Jha entered active politics in 2004-05. He became a Member of the Bihar Legislative Council in 2006.[8]
Sanjay Kumar Jha is a prominent politician and National General Secretary of Janata Dal (United) serving three terms as a Minister in the Government of Bihar,[9] He is also known as a close and most trusted leader of Bihar Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar.[10][11]
He has overseen critical portfolios including the Water Resources Department (WRD)[12] and Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD)[13] in the Bihar Government.[14] Sanjay Kumar Jha has held the responsibility of Bihar Government's Water Resources Minister thrice - from 2 June 2019, to 16 November 2020; from 9 February 2021, to 9 August 2022; and from 16 August 2022, to 28 January 2024. Jha has made significant contributions to the state's development.
Ideology
Hailing from the Mithila region of Bihar, he has been deeply involved in the region's development, initiating projects for infrastructure development and welfare programs.
Sanjay Kumar Jha's tenure as the Water Resources Minister[15] has been marked by ambitious projects aimed at addressing Bihar's flood issues and enhancing irrigation potential.[16] His leadership has led to the implementation of various schemes to mitigate floods and improve agricultural productivity in the state.[17]
As the Water Resources Minister, Jha has prioritized environmental conservation and water management, leveraging modern technologies for sustainable development. Key achievements include the implementation of the Ganga Jal Aapurti Yojana and the installation of the largest Rubber Dam of its kind on the Falgu River in Gaya, benefiting pilgrims and locals alike.[18]
Achievements
The inauguration of Mithila Haat,[19] a cultural hub showcasing the region's heritage, signifies Jha's dedication to preserving and promoting local culture.[20] Additionally, his outreach efforts, such as the Kamla Jansampark Yatra, have garnered praise for connecting with communities and assessing development initiatives firsthand.[citation needed]
Jha's vision extends beyond infrastructure development, as evidenced by his efforts to transform the Kalpwas Mela site at Samaria Dham into a prominent religious and tourist destination.[21] With a focus on enhancing Bihar's spiritual and cultural landscape, Jha aims to elevate the site's significance akin to Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.[22]
Passionate about human welfare, Jha has utilized his legislative presence and funds to establish essential facilities such as hospitals, schools, and community centers. Notably, he has donated ancestral land for the construction of a trauma center in Jhanjharpur,[23] highlighting his commitment to public service.[citation needed]
Sanjay Kumar Jha's multifaceted approach to governance reflects his commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in Mithila.[24]
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