Hemant Soren warns of statewide movement against mining Bill
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday (August 13, 2026) strongly opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been passed by both Houses of Parliament. The Bill now awaits the President’s assent to become law.
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on Wednesday, while the Rajya Sabha cleared it on Thursday, completing the legislative process. The legislation restricts the powers of State governments to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
In a post on social media platform X, Mr. Soren said the Bill was an injustice to Jharkhand and its people. "Jharkhand will launch such a massive movement that the entire nation will witness. Minerals belong to Jharkhand, land belongs to Jharkhand—so why should Delhi decide on our rights and entitlements? In haste, the central government passed the Bill in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, effectively tying Jharkhand's hands and feet," he said.
Mr. Soren termed it a "black bill" and said it was a severe blow to the development and future of Jharkhand. He warned that if the central government does not withdraw the Bill, the State will not hesitate to take "decisive and historic decisions." He added that there would be fierce opposition in every district, block, panchayat, and town.
The Chief Minister also argued that the Bill could jeopardise social security schemes in Jharkhand, including the Maiya Samman Yojana, Abua Awas Yojana, pensions, education, and health programmes. "Jharkhand will not tolerate this stepmotherly treatment," he said.
The Bill has been a point of contention between the Centre and mineral-rich States. Proponents argue that it clarifies the legal framework and prevents overlapping taxation, while critics say it undermines federalism and deprives States of revenue needed for local development.
Union Minister for Mines, in a statement reported on Thursday, defended the legislation, saying it does not impinge upon States' rights. "The mining amendment law does not affect the existing rights of States," the Minister said in response to concerns raised by opposition parties.
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill amid protests, with several opposition members demanding a detailed discussion. Reports indicate that the Bill was passed without a debate in the lower house, which drew criticism from some legislators.
Jharkhand, one of India's leading mineral-producing States, relies heavily on revenue from mining royalties and taxes. The State government has expressed concern that the new law will significantly reduce its fiscal resources.
Political analysts note that the tussle over mineral taxation is part of a broader debate on Centre-State financial relations. The Supreme Court has previously ruled on the extent of States' powers to tax mineral lands, and the new Bill seeks to address ambiguities that have arisen from such rulings.
The Bill's passage has intensified political friction, particularly in States like Jharkhand where mineral resources are a major economic driver. Mr. Soren's call for a movement signals a potential escalation in the confrontation between the State and the Centre over the issue.
At the time of writing, there was no immediate response from the Union government to Mr. Soren's warnings. The Bill is expected to be presented to the President for assent, after which it will become law.
