Ranchi, Aug 20: The political debate over Jharkhand’s mineral resources has intensified, with NDA constituent AJSU Party urging the Centre to protect the state’s interests while implementing provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026.
AJSU president and former Jharkhand deputy chief minister Sudesh Kumar Mahto has written to Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, seeking measures to ensure that mineral-rich Jharkhand receives adequate benefits from its natural resources.One of the key issues raised by Mahto is the state’s authority to impose a tax, cess or levy on mineral-bearing land, subject to appropriate conditions.
He suggested that revenue generated through such a mechanism should be earmarked for the development of communities affected by mining activities.According to the proposal, funds could be utilised to improve schools and educational infrastructure, provide scholarships and other support to students, and strengthen healthcare facilities in mining-affected areas.
The money could also be used to improve drinking water supply, roads, electricity and other basic amenities in affected villages. Mahto also emphasised the need to allocate resources for the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by mining projects.AJSU has also raised concerns over illegal coal mining in the state and called for stronger security arrangements at coal mines.
The party has suggested deployment of additional security personnel and strengthening of police arrangements to prevent illegal mining activities.Mahto argued that effective action against illegal mining could help increase officially recorded coal production and, in turn, boost the state’s royalty and other mining-related revenues.The development comes amid an ongoing disagreement between the Jharkhand government and the Centre over the MMDR amendment.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has previously expressed reservations about provisions of the amended mining law and sought a reconsideration of issues that he believes could affect the state’s financial interests and the welfare of mineral-producing communities.Soren has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu regarding the matter and indicated that the state could consider convening a special session of the Assembly if necessary.
The Chief Minister has maintained that decisions concerning Jharkhand’s mineral resources have a direct bearing on the state’s revenue and the interests of its people.AJSU’s intervention is politically significant as the party is a constituent of the NDA. Its letter to the Union minister indicates that concerns over mineral revenue, mining-affected communities and state interests have also emerged within the broader ruling alliance.
The debate is expected to continue as Jharkhand seeks greater safeguards for its mineral-producing regions and the Centre considers the implementation of the amended mining framework.The issue has also brought renewed focus on how revenues from Jharkhand’s mineral wealth can be channelled towards education, healthcare, infrastructure and rehabilitation in communities affected by mining.
