Ranchi, Sep 26: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey on Saturday hit back at BJP’s allegations against the state government over the MMDR Amendment Act, questioning the Centre’s approach towards Jharkhand’s mineral resources, revenue and the rights of mining-affected people.
Pandey urged BJP leaders and MPs from Jharkhand to seek an explanation from the Centre over the state’s claimed outstanding dues of around Rs 1.36 lakh crore, and to raise the issue before the Union government and Parliament. The figure has been cited by the Jharkhand government in connection with various mining-related claims.
He said Jharkhand has been bearing the impact of mining for decades, with pollution, displacement and environmental and social problems continuing in mining-affected areas.
“Jharkhand has been bearing the impact of mining for decades,” Pandey said, questioning why people affected by mining should not receive adequate compensation.
“Why should people affected by mining not receive adequate compensation?” he asked.
Pandey alleged that the MMDR amendment could weaken the rights of mineral-rich states such as Jharkhand. The state government has opposed the amendment and has decided to challenge it in the Supreme Court, according to reports.
The JMM leader also said any attempt to weaken or discontinue welfare schemes such as the Maiyan Samman Yojana would face opposition from the people of Jharkhand.
“Jharkhand is not merely a repository of minerals. Its land, forests, water and the rights of its people also have value,” Pandey said.
He demanded clarity from the Centre on the share of Jharkhand and its people in the benefits generated from the state’s mineral resources.
“Before making laws, the Centre should explain what share Jharkhand and its people would receive from the benefits generated through mining,” he said.
Pandey also called upon BJP MPs from Jharkhand to raise issues concerning the state’s alleged dues, the rights of mining-affected people, pollution and revenue interests before the Centre.
“BJP MPs from Jharkhand should strongly present the state’s case before the Centre and take steps to ensure that the amount is released to Jharkhand,” he said.
Referring to Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Pandey said Jharkhand had elected her as an MP and sent her to Delhi and therefore expected her to advocate the state’s interests.
“Jharkhand has elected her as its MP and sent her to Delhi, so it is natural to expect her to advocate for the interests of Jharkhand,” he said.
