Ranchi, Aug 14: Jharkhand Transport, Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Deepak Birua has urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to immediately convene a special session of the state Assembly to oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, arguing that the legislation threatens the constitutional rights and fiscal autonomy of mineral-rich states.
Birua said the issue goes beyond taxation and concerns the states’ authority over revenues generated from their mineral resources.
In a social media post on Friday, the minister said Jharkhand “should not adopt a defensive stance” and called for a coordinated constitutional, legal and political response to the Centre’s move.
He urged Soren to initiate the process of convening a special Assembly session and bring a resolution opposing the amendment while reaffirming the constitutional taxation rights of states.
Birua also suggested that the Opposition be asked to support such a resolution, saying it would make clear the position of all political parties on protecting Jharkhand’s interests.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2024 nine-judge Constitution Bench judgment, Birua said the court had recognised the power of states to levy taxes and cess on minerals and mineral-bearing land.
He suggested that Jharkhand should consider approaching the Supreme Court directly under Article 131 to challenge the constitutional validity of the new legislation.
Birua further proposed that if the Centre curtails or removes the taxation powers of states, Jharkhand should seek a statutory annual compensation package similar to the GST compensation mechanism.
The minister argued that Jharkhand bears the consequences of mining activities, including land acquisition and displacement, and therefore should retain its “rightful claim” over revenues generated from its mineral wealth.
He also questioned why decisions concerning Jharkhand’s mineral and land revenues should be taken “in New Delhi” when the social and environmental costs of mining are borne by people in the state.
Calling for wider public mobilisation, Birua advocated village-level awareness campaigns involving tribal, indigenous and local communities to build support for protecting Jharkhand’s rights over its mineral resources and revenues.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing opposition in Jharkhand to the MMDR amendment, with the state government maintaining that restrictions on mineral-related taxation could affect its fiscal resources.
Birua said the state must pursue the issue through constitutional, legal and political channels to safeguard its financial interests and federal rights.
