Dhanbad, Sept 19 : The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) held demonstrations at block headquarters across Jharkhand on Saturday against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, raising concerns over the state’s mineral resources, revenue powers and the rights of tribal and indigenous communities. Recent reports said the party organised protests across the state’s block headquarters on September 19.
In Dhanbad, JMM leaders and workers staged a day-long demonstration at the Dhanbad Sadar block-cum-circle office. Protesters raised slogans against the Centre’s mining policy and later submitted a memorandum addressed to the President to Block Development Officer and Circle Officer Vikas Anand.
The memorandum sought protection of the constitutional and financial rights of mineral-producing states and called for safeguarding the rights of tribal and indigenous communities over water, forests, land and minerals.
”Former Dhanbad mayor and JMM leader Chandrashekhar Agrawal was among those present at the protest. He alleged that the amendments could weaken the Jharkhand government’s position and affect the state’s mineral-related revenue.
Agrawal called for reconsideration of provisions that, according to the party, could have implications for states’ control over mineral resources. JMM leaders also demanded institutional consultation with mineral-producing states before implementing provisions that could affect their interests.
The party has particularly raised concerns over provisions relating to state levies and the financial implications of the amended law. JMM has said the changes could affect Jharkhand’s revenue and, consequently, its development and welfare programmes.
The protests were also reported from other parts of Jharkhand, including Tundi, where JMM workers and members of tribal communities participated in a demonstration at the block headquarters.
The Central government’s position differs from the JMM’s assessment. According to the Ministry of Mines, the 2026 amendment is intended to provide greater fiscal certainty and stability in the major minerals sector. The government has said the law does not take away states’ rights over land and minerals and that states will continue to receive the majority of mining-related revenue.
The Ministry has also stated that around 90% of mining-sector taxes and statutory payments currently accrue to states and that this arrangement will continue under the amendment.
The dispute therefore centres on how the amended fiscal and regulatory provisions will affect the powers and revenues of mineral-producing states, with the JMM seeking greater protection for state interests and the Centre arguing that the changes provide a more predictable framework for mining investment and production.
