Ranchi, July 2: The state government intends to define the domicile status of people residing in the state by August 15.

Personnel secretary R.S. Sharma has been asked to make comparative analysis of the domicile policies of different states at the earliest to enable the chief minister make proper announcements in his Independence Day address after hoisting the Tricolour at Morabadi ground.

The chief minister decided to make the announcement on the Independence Day today at a meeting with some of his ministerial colleagues, representatives from different political parties and senior officials.

It was also agreed in principle that local natives ought to be given preference in grade III and grade IV jobs even in the private sector.

Controversy over defining the natives of the state has been brewing ever since Jharkhand was formed. The state witnessed violent clashes everywhere six years ago. It also played crucial role in removal of Babulal Marandi from the chief minister’s post in March, 2003.