Ranchi, Aug 27: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Thursday backed the state government’s position on imposing a cess on mineral resources and questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s objections to the move.
JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey said Jharkhand should be able to exercise its constitutional powers over minerals extracted from its territory and ensure that the state receives an appropriate share of the economic benefits.Referring to a recent Supreme Court ruling by a nine-judge Constitution Bench on the powers of states in matters concerning mineral resources, Pandey said the judgment had provided greater clarity on the rights of mineral-producing states.
He questioned why the BJP was opposed to Jharkhand determining a cess on minerals if the state has constitutional authority in this area.
Pandey also highlighted the environmental and social consequences associated with mining. He said Jharkhand has faced displacement, loss of land and forests, pollution and other challenges as mineral resources have been extracted over the years.
According to the JMM leader, the financial returns from mining should take into account the burden borne by communities living in mineral-rich areas.He argued that Jharkhand should not be expected to compromise its economic interests merely to keep mineral prices low for industries or buyers.
The JMM said additional revenue from mineral resources could be used for development programmes and for supporting tribal communities, local residents, mining-affected families and future generations.Pandey maintained that the debate over mineral cess was not merely an issue of taxation but also concerned the rights of states, federalism and the equitable distribution of benefits from natural resources.
The JMM said Jharkhand would continue to press for greater economic benefits from its mineral wealth and defend the state’s authority in determining how its natural resources are managed.
