Ranchi, August 21: Political tensions in Jharkhand have escalated regarding the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. As the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and other opposition parties announce protests against the bill, BJP state president Aditya Sahu has accused them of spreading confusion.
Sahu emphasized that the bill aims not to strip states of their rights but to promote transparency, equality, investment, and development in the mining sector. He claimed that the JMM is attempting to hinder the state’s development by threatening protests and economic blockades. The BJP plans to launch a statewide awareness campaign about the bill and distribute copies to the public.
Sahu dismissed Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s statement, which suggested that the amendment would negatively impact tribal, Dalit, and backward communities. He stated that the BJP’s priority is to ensure that the benefits of mineral wealth reach the affected areas and the most marginalized individuals in society. He also urged the state government to ensure transparency in the use of mining revenues and to account for the development of affected regions.
The BJP president reassured that the revenue from the mineral sector for states would continue post-amendment. He stated that there would be no adverse effects on royalties, District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), auction premiums, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), or GST shares for states.
Sahu argued that no state could arbitrarily increase levies to undermine the competitiveness of the mining industry. He claimed that the share of states in total mineral revenue rose from approximately 60% in 2014-15 to over 88% in 2024-25. During this period, the mineral revenue for states increased from ₹25,206 crores to ₹1,14,549 crores. He also criticized the state government regarding the mineral levies imposed in Jharkhand.
He pointed out that the state government has imposed a levy of ₹600 per ton on iron ore, while Chhattisgarh charges only ₹22.50 per ton. Additionally, the coal levy was increased from ₹100 to ₹450 per ton. Sahu warned that excessive levies could adversely affect mining production and competitiveness, potentially leading to an increase in illegal mining activities.
He asserted that the primary right to Jharkhand’s mineral resources belongs to the state’s populace for their development, not to mining mafias or illegal operators. The BJP will present facts to the public and party workers will inform villagers about the provisions of the bill.
Sahu also demanded accountability from the state government regarding the use of DMFT funds. He urged the government to clarify how much of the available DMFT funds have been utilized for programs like tribal welfare, the Manya Samman Yojana, and Abua Awas, rather than blaming the center.
He accused the JMM of using the protest against the MMDR amendment as a strategy to preserve political ground. Sahu questioned the JMM on the concrete actions taken to stop illegal mining, mineral plundering, and revenue loss that have persisted in the state for a long time.
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