Jharkhand govt. opposing mines Act to facilitate coal theft, says Annpurna Devi

Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren government while highlighting the benefits of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment (MMDR) Act, 2026.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP State office in Ranchi, Ms. Devi said the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are making attempts to mislead and confuse the people over the Act.

“The State government fails to conduct auctions on time, and it 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. The Jharkhand government is opposing this Act to facilitate coal theft,” the Minister alleged.

Asserting that changes to this law will boost new investments and create ample employment opportunities in the State, she said the Act will increase the chance of youth finding work in their own State and will curb migration.

“The primary objective of this Act is to streamline the taxation system in the mining sector and bring transparency. The amendment will curb the arbitrary actions of the State government. Earlier, the State government imposed new taxes and cesses after auctions, causing significant trouble for business operators. They faced exploitation and harassment under the guise of cesses and outstanding tax dues, a situation from which they will now be relieved. The Centre will implement uniform taxes and levies nationwide with no interference from the State government,” she said.

‘Others welcoming’

Ms. Devi pointed out that the MMDR Act has been implemented in States like Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Kerala; many of these are Congress-ruled States where the Act is being welcomed rather than opposed.

Earlier, Mr. Soren termed it a “black Bill” and injustice to Jharkhand and its people. Defending his stance, he had said, “Minerals belong to Jharkhand, land belongs to Jharkhand — so why should Delhi decide on our rights and entitlements?”