Jharkhand govt opposing mines Act to enable coal theft, alleges Union Minister
Union Minister Annpurna Devi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren government, accusing the Jharkhand administration of opposing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment (MMDR) Act, 2026 to facilitate coal theft. Addressing a press conference at the BJP State office in Ranchi, Ms. Devi alleged that the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are making attempts to mislead and confuse the public over the legislation.
Ms. Devi claimed the State government opposes the Act because it fails to conduct auctions on time and does not seek legitimate revenue for the State's exchequer. "Instead, it desires an increase in personal revenue — which is why this Act is being opposed," she alleged. According to the Minister, the Act aims to streamline the taxation system in the mining sector and bring transparency by curbing arbitrary actions of the State government. She noted that previously, the State government imposed new taxes and cesses after auctions, causing significant trouble for business operators who faced exploitation and harassment. The Centre will now implement uniform taxes and levies nationwide with no interference from the State government.
Ms. Devi asserted that changes to the law will boost new investments and create employment opportunities in Jharkhand, increasing the chance of youth finding work in their own State and curbing migration. She pointed out that the MMDR Act has been implemented in States like Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Kerala, including Congress-ruled States where the Act is being welcomed rather than opposed.
