Ranchi, Sept 22: Political activity has intensified in Jharkhand over two separate issues concerning mineral resources and alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations, with the Congress announcing a protest against the amended mining law and BJP leader Babulal Marandi seeking a CBI probe into recruitment-related complaints.
The Jharkhand Congress has announced a march to Lok Bhavan in Ranchi on September 26 to oppose the provisions of the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026.State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh announced the programme after a meeting of party functionaries in Ranchi.
The protest had earlier been postponed following the death of JMM minister Sudivya Kumar.The amendment was passed by Parliament on August 13 and received Presidential assent on August 17.
It includes provisions concerning mineral-bearing land and places restrictions on states imposing certain taxes, cess and other levies relating to mineral rights and mineral-bearing land, subject to conditions prescribed by the Centre.
The Congress has raised concerns that the changes could affect Jharkhand’s financial and regulatory interests as a mineral-rich state.
The Centre, however, has maintained that the amendment does not take away the states’ rights over land and minerals. It has also stated that states continue to receive a major share of taxes and statutory payments generated from mining activities.
Meanwhile, the issue of alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has also returned to the political spotlight.
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has demanded a CBI investigation into the allegations. He has sought scrutiny of officials associated with the two recruitment bodies since 2023 and has also called for withdrawal of cases registered against students involved in protests.
According to the report, six FIRs have been registered against more than 1,100 people, including 53 named individuals, in connection with clashes involving protesting aspirants in Ranchi, Giridih and Hazaribagh.
The mining dispute and recruitment controversy are now being pursued through political campaigns as well as administrative and judicial processes. While the opposition is demanding greater scrutiny and accountability, the issues remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
The developments are expected to keep the focus on the state’s control over mineral resources, the distribution of mining-related revenue and transparency in government recruitment examinations.
