Jharkhand CM vows agitation against Central Bill curbing State's mineral rights

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday strongly opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to restrict States’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. Calling the legislation a “black Bill” and an injustice to the people of Jharkhand, Mr. Soren warned of a massive agitation against the Centre’s move.

The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, completing the parliamentary approval process. It will become law after receiving the President’s assent. The proposed legislation aims to limit the authority of State governments to impose taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, a subject that has been a point of contention between mineral-rich States and the Central government.

“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 Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, effectively tying Jharkhand’s hands and feet,” Mr. Soren wrote on X.

Jharkhand holds about 40% of the country’s total mineral reserves, making it a key contributor to the nation’s mineral wealth. The Chief Minister argued that the Bill would severely undermine the State’s developmental efforts and jeopardise social security schemes that benefit millions of people. He specifically mentioned schemes such as the Maiya Samman Yojana, Abua Awas Yojana, pensions, education, and health programmes, which he said would be on the verge of closure if the State loses its taxing powers.

“It is a severe blow to their development and future. Jharkhand will not tolerate this stepmotherly treatment. In Jharkhand, schemes providing social security to millions – such as the Maiya Samman Yojana, Abua Awas Yojana, pensions, education, health, and others – will be on the verge of closure. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha strongly opposes this,” he said.

Mr. Soren added that there would be fierce opposition to the move in “every district, every block, every panchayat, every town”. He warned that if the Central government does not come to its senses and fails to restore to Jharkhand and its people their rights and entitlements, the State would not shy away from taking “decisive and historic decisions”.

The Bill’s passage is seen as a major challenge to the fiscal autonomy of mineral-rich states. For Jharkhand, which relies heavily on revenue from mineral resources to fund welfare and infrastructure projects, the restrictions could have far-reaching consequences. The State government has vowed to fight the legislation, and the coming weeks are expected to witness heightened political activity over the issue.